generator

noun

gen·​er·​a·​tor ˈje-nə-ˌrā-tər 

1

: one that generates: such as

a

: an apparatus in which vapor or gas is formed

b

: a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy

2

: a mathematical entity that when subjected to one or more operations yields another mathematical entity or its elements

specifically : generatrix

Did you know?

Generators work by rotating a coil of wire in a magnetic field, causing a current to flow in the wire. A generator may be a huge spinning turbine powered by water, wind, steam, gas, or nuclear reactions, which sends electricity out through power lines to thousands of customers. But normally when we use the word, we're thinking of a small machine powered by gasoline or diesel, such as you might keep in your basement for those times when a storm knocks out your power, to create electricity right in front of your eyes. A special kind of generator called an alternator powers a car's electrical system (including its lights, power steering, etc.) while the car is running.

Synonyms

• author
• begetter
• creator
• establisher
• father
• founder
• founding father
• inaugurator
• initiator
• instituter
• institutor
• originator
• sire

Examples of generator in a Sentence

This new product will be a major revenue generator.

a backup generator for the store

Recent Examples on the Web

Since the measures were imposed, tankers carrying Russian oil have been stuck off the coast of China, and further sanctions could hit Moscow's key revenue generator. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

The risk there is that Mercer can’t get back to his 2022-23 heights as a reliable scoring chance generator and goal scorer. —Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025

Some online observers speculated that the bogus pictures were the product of OpenAI’s Doll-E image generator, the state-of-the-art tech in visual misinformation, though OpenAI disputes that claim. —Benjamin Svetkey and Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Jan. 2025

The electric motors in hybrids and fully electric vehicles can be configured to function as generators, harnessing the vehicle’s momentum and converting it into electricity that can then be stored in the battery. —Peter Douglas, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing generator

• electrostatic generator
• Van de Graaff generator

Kids Definition

generator

noun

gen·​er·​a·​tor ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-ər 

: one that generates: as

a

: a piece of laboratory equipment in which vapor or gas is formed

b

: a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy