generator

[ jen-uh-rey-ter ]

noun

1. a machine that converts one form of energy into another, especially mechanical energy into electrical energy, as a dynamo, or electrical energy into sound, as an acoustic generator.
2. a person or thing that generates.
3. Chemistry. an apparatus for producing a gas or vapor.
4. Mathematics.
   1. an element or one of a set of elements from which a specified mathematical object can be formed by applying certain operations.
   2. an element, as a line, that generates a figure.
5. Computers. a program that produces a particular type of output on demand, as random numbers, an application program, or a report.

generator

/ ˈdʒɛnəˌreɪtə /

noun

1. physics
   1. any device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction, esp a large one as in a power station
   2. a device for producing a voltage electrostatically
   3. any device that converts one form of energy into another form

      an acoustic generator

2. an apparatus for producing a gas
3. a person or thing that generates

generator

1. A device that produces electric current (see also current ), usually by rotating a conductor in a magnetic field , thereby generating current through electromagnetic induction . This sort of generator produces an alternating current (AC) .

Word History and Origins

Origin of generator¹

1640–50; < Latin generātor producer, equivalent to generā ( re ) ( generate ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

The Delhi government has enacted its Graded Response Action Plan - which bans all activities that involve the use of coal and firewood, as well as diesel generator use for non-emergency services - but that has not saved the city from experiencing toxic levels of pollution.

From BBC

At Hitachi’s factory in Newton Aycliffe, north-east England, testing has just finished on a new “tri-mode” train, in which one diesel generator has been swapped for lithium batteries.

From BBC

Israeli forces withdrew on Monday from the last functioning hospital in north Gaza, Kamal Adwan Hospital, after days of direct strikes on the facility with shells and machine gun fire, hitting every hospital department and killing young patients after striking oxygen stations and the hospital generator.

From Salon

Investigators, he said, recovered three stolen trailers and a generator.

From Los Angeles Times

He continued: “I will beat you up. I will show you that I’m a big brother to you. I will slap the hell out of you, lie you down, and lock you in my generator house. How dare you?”

From BBC