router

¹

[ rou-ter ]

noun

1. any of various tools or machines for routing, hollowing out, or furrowing.
2. Also called router plane. Carpentry. a plane for cutting interior angles, as at the bottom of a groove.
3. a machine or tool for cutting into or below a main surface, as of a die or engraving plate.

verb (used with object)

1. to cut with a router.

router

²

[ roo-ter, rou- ]

noun

1. a person or thing that routes.
2. a piece of hardware or software having a specific IP address and connected to network nodes for the transfer of data between computers.

router

¹

/ ˈruːtə /

noun

1. computing a device that allows packets of data to be moved efficiently between two points on a network

router

²

/ ˈraʊtə /

noun

1. any of various tools or machines for hollowing out, cutting grooves, etc

router

/ rou′tər /

1. A device in a network that handles message transfers between computers. A router receives information and forwards it based on what the router determines to be the most efficient route at the time of transfer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of router¹

First recorded in 1840–50; rout ² + -er ¹

Origin of router²

First recorded in 1900–05; route + -er ¹

Example Sentences

I am writing this on Friday from my apartment that’s still without internet service, because the modem and router were damaged in the storm and I haven’t yet had time to call the provider for a replacement.

From Slate

Mrs Miron mentions one customer who, at the time of writing, was using a Verizon mi-fi, or mobile broadband wireless router, system to access backup data because their main computer network had been completely shut down following a cyber-incident.

From BBC

The signals are received on the ground by pizza-box-size terminal dishes, which then distribute the connection like a Wi-Fi router to laptops, phones and other devices nearby.

From New York Times

Installation and a router will be included, WeLink Chief Executive Luke Langford said.

From Los Angeles Times

This meant it was a cheap ticket but still close enough to the router for her to steal the free Wi-Fi that came with expensive fares.

From Literature