collector

[ kuh-lek-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that collects.
2. a person employed to collect debts, duties, taxes, etc.
3. a person who collects books, paintings, stamps, shells, etc., especially as a hobby.
4. Electricity. a device for accumulating current from contact conductors.
5. Electronics. an electrode in a transistor or vacuum tube for collecting electrons, ions, or holes.
6. Metallurgy. promoter ( def 5 ).
7. Energy. solar collector.

collector

/ kəˈlɛktə /

noun

1. a person or thing that collects
2. a person employed to collect debts, rents, etc
3. the head of a district administration in India
4. a person who collects or amasses objects as a hobby
5. electronics the region in a transistor into which charge carriers flow from the base

Derived Forms

• colˈlectorˌship, noun

Other Words From

• col·lector·ship col·lector·ate noun
• precol·lector noun
• subcol·lector noun
• subcol·lector·ship noun
• under·col·lector noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of collector¹

1375–1425; late Middle English (< Anglo-French ) < Medieval Latin, equivalent to Latin colleg- (variant stem of colligere; collect ¹ ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

In their dedication to authenticity, Fehlbaum and his production team sourced period-accurate equipment from old television stations and collectors, much of it still working, to re-create the analog control-room setup as faithfully as possible.

From Los Angeles Times

But in recent years, experts say, with growing ethical concerns about collection, sale and display of human remains, many collectors are reconsidering their approach.

From BBC

Auctioneer Henry Aldridge and Son in Wiltshire said it was the highest amount ever paid for Titanic memorabilia, and that it was bought by a private collector in the US.

From BBC

Aside from extortion, federal court records accuse Iza of hiding millions of dollars from tax collectors by failing to report income and funneling money through shell companies with co-conspirators.

From Los Angeles Times

This uniqueness and verifiable ownership have driven the NFT craze, attracting collectors, investors and creators.

From Salon

Related Words

• connoisseur
• hobbyist