emulator

[ em-yuh-ley-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that imitates:

   Until quite recently, emulators copied the behaviors of those higher in the social scale than themselves; nowadays, however, people in higher social classes are imitating those in lower ones.

2. Computers. hardware or software designed to imitate a different piece of hardware or a different software system, in order to do the same work or run the same programs:

   These JavaScript emulators allow you to run newer programs on older, incompatible operating systems.

Word History and Origins

Origin of emulator¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin aemulātor “imitator,” equivalent to aemul(us) “vying with” + -ator ( def )

Example Sentences

Billie played it, and I ran it through this old SketchCassette like tape emulator, but again the marriage of this song about a doll and Billie playing a little toy keyboard.

From Los Angeles Times

Kiwi Farms has been allegedly linked with three suicides, including an emulator developer who blamed the site for a relentless harassment operation soon before their death.

From The Verge

While Denuvo’s pretty light on the details, it sounds like it may prevent Switch users from dumping the contents of their games on PC, which they would then run with an emulator.

From The Verge

Nintendo may even be going after YouTubers who emulate their games on Steam Deck as well, as it appears to have issued a takedown request for a video that shows players how to install and use an emulator.

From The Verge

Before Ship, running the game on a PC required using an emulator to mimic a Nintendo console’s hardware.

From The Verge

Related Words

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• agent
• antagonist
• attacker
• bandit
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• criminal
• detractor
• foe
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• invader
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• opponent
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• rebel
• rival
• spy
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• traitor