equalizer

[ ee-kwuh-lahy-zer ]

noun

1. a person or thing that equalizes.
2. any of various devices or appliances for equalizing strains, pressures, etc.
3. Electricity. an electric network of inductance, capacitance, or resistance established between two points in a given network to secure some constant relation, as even attenuation, between the two points.
4. Slang. a weapon, as a pistol, blackjack, or switchblade knife.

equalizer

/ ˈiːkwəˌlaɪzə /

noun

1. a person or thing that equalizes, esp a device to counterbalance opposing forces
2. an electronic network introduced into a transmission circuit to alter its response, esp to reduce distortion by equalizing its response over a specified frequency range
3. sport a goal, point, etc, that levels the score
4. slang.
   a weapon, esp a gun

equalizer

/ ē′kwə-lī′zər /

1. An electronic device made of filters and amplifiers, used to alter the relative strengths of different frequencies in an electronic signal. Equalizers are used primarily in audio equipment, allowing fine-tuning of the signal to compensate for distortions such as weak response or oversensitivity at various frequencies.
2. ◆ A graphic equalizer uses a set of controls that determine the level of boost or suppression of individual frequencies. The controls are usually sliding faders, set up in a row from lowest frequency to highest frequency, so that the final settings resemble a graph of the frequency response of the equalizer.
3. ◆ A parametric equalizer consists of one or more filters whose characteristics can be controlled, such as the frequency to be manipulated, whether to boost or suppress the frequency, the amount of boost or suppression, and how much nearby frequencies are also affected.

Word History and Origins

Origin of equalizer¹

First recorded in 1785–95; equalize + -er ¹

Example Sentences

“That’s been the equalizer for Democrats.”

From Salon

“The law should be the great equalizer,” one respondent wrote.

From Slate

Let’s raise a glass to the cheapskate of the sky, the judge seemed to say—the everyman of the flying world, the great equalizer of the skies.

From Slate

Lasagna can be such an equalizer, if you will — often a one-pot meal that can feed a large crowd and doesn't necessarily need to be served alongside anything else because it is indeed a meal on its own.

From Salon

His greatest gift to readers is to reveal the climate as an indomitable equalizer.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cannon
• handgun
• hardware
• mortar
• piece
• pistol
• revolver
• rifle
• shotgun