donor

[ doh-ner ]

noun

1. a person who gives or donates.

   Synonyms: patron, sponsor, contributor, supporter

2. Medicine/Medical. a person or animal providing blood, an organ, bone marrow cells, or other biological tissue for transfusion or transplantation: sperm donor organ donor
3. Law. a person who gives property by gift, legacy, or devise, or who confers a power of appointment.

adjective

1. of or relating to the biological tissue of a donor:

   donor organ.

donor

/ ˈdəʊnə /

noun

1. a person who makes a donation
2. med any person who voluntarily gives blood, skin, a kidney etc, for use in the treatment of another person
3. law
   1. a person who makes a gift of property
   2. a person who bestows upon another a power of appointment over property
4. the atom supplying both electrons in a coordinate bond
5. an impurity, such as antimony or arsenic, that is added to a semiconductor material in order to increase its n-type conductivity by contributing free electrons Compare acceptor

donor

/ dō′nər /

1. An atom or molecule that releases one or more electrons to another atom or molecule, resulting in a chemical bond or flow of electric current.
2. Compare acceptorSee also electron carrier
3. An individual from whom blood, tissue, or an organ is taken for transfusion, implantation, or transplant.

Derived Forms

• ˈdonorˌship, noun

Other Words From

• donor·ship noun
• pre·donor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of donor¹

1400–50; late Middle English donour < Anglo-French ( Old French doneur ) < Latin dōnātor, equivalent to dōnā ( re ) ( donation ) + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of donor¹

C15: from Old French doneur, from Latin dōnātor, from dōnāre to give

Example Sentences

But homeless experts and advocates who have reviewed public statements from Trump and his closest advisors and donors have identified a number of possible changes.

From Los Angeles Times

The nomination of McMahon, a major Republican donor, caught many education experts by surprise.

From Los Angeles Times

Crypto is expected to lobby for a more favorable regulatory environment, but also faces questions about who will keep campaign donors in check and consumers safe, Salon reported.

From Salon

Humanity cannot afford business as usual when donor dollars are underutilized, especially when we have a time-sensitive opportunity to save lives.

From Salon

The messages were straightforward and concise, although many elected officials who inhabit Sacramento’s political cocoon tend to be tone-deaf to voices that don’t emanate from large campaign donors and special interests.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• backer
• benefactor
• contributor
• patron