regulator

[ reg-yuh-ley-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that regulates.
2. Horology.
   1. an adjustable device in a clock or a watch for making it go faster or slower.
   2. a master clock, usually of great accuracy, against which other clocks are checked.
3. Machinery.
   1. a governor mechanism for regulating the flow of fuel, steam, etc., to an engine in order to maintain constant speed under varying load or resistance.
   2. a valve for regulating the pressure of flowing gas or liquid to maintain a predetermined pressure.
   3. any of various mechanisms for maintaining a temperature, a level of liquid in a tank, etc.
4. Electricity. a device for maintaining a designated characteristic, as voltage or current, at a predetermined value, or for varying it according to a predetermined plan.
5. a device on scuba equipment for regulating the rate at which compressed air is fed through a breathing tube in proportion to the depth of water.
6. a device for maintaining a constant gas pressure.
7. (initial capital letter) American History.
   1. a member of any of several bands or committees in North Carolina (1767–71), formed to resist certain abuses, as extortion by officials.
   2. (in newly settled areas) a member of any band or committee organized to preserve order before the establishment of regular legal authority.

regulator

/ ˈrɛɡjʊˌleɪtə /

noun

1. a person or thing that regulates
2. the mechanism, including the hairspring and the balance wheel, by which the speed of a timepiece is regulated
3. a timepiece, known to be accurate, by which others are timed and regulated
4. any of various mechanisms or devices, such as a governor valve, for controlling fluid flow, pressure, temperature, voltage, etc
5. Also calledregulator gene a gene the product of which controls the synthesis of a product from another gene

Word History and Origins

Origin of regulator¹

First recorded in 1645–55; regulate + -or ²

Example Sentences

Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Sir David Behan, the regulator’s chairman, called for radical change, saying course closures and university mergers might be needed for financial stability.

From BBC

Even so, new analysis by the OfS, the independent regulator of higher education in England, will show a worsening position for universities, the BBC understands.

From BBC

The regulator had said it expected 40% of universities to be in financial deficit in 2023-24.

From BBC

The heat is now on universities to bring down costs, with renewed scrutiny from ministers and the regulator over how they spend money.

From BBC

But the rollout has drawn criticism from the regulator Ofsted, and the government's education select committee, with issues varying from the quality of teaching to the availability of work placements.

From BBC

Related Words

• manager