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

It's not clear whether the bonus has in fact been paid out, but the regulator will insist that it is not paid by the operating company, and must be borne by the company owners.

From BBC

He said he was also focused on making sure the powers contained in the OSA, which is coming into effect next year, were used "assertively" by the regulator.

From BBC

People using an typical amount of gas and electricity are currently paying £1,717 under the energy price cap, which is set by the regulator Ofgem.

From BBC

The UK media regulator, Ofcom, welcomed the announcement - but said more action would be needed to make social media safe.

From BBC

A Chrome divestiture would achieve the kind of corporate breakup that regulators failed to force upon Microsoft two decades ago.

From New York Times

Related Words

• manager