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

None of the state's tabulation centers are in the scope of the power shut-offs, though PG&E also has provided backup generators there as well out of an abundance of caution. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Instead, the engine can recharge the battery, working as a small generator to give it extra mileage on the go. —Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024

For people in the Southeast that were recently hit by hurricanes: tax deductions for home electricity generators. —Ben Ritz, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

The Coyotes played in a 4,600-seat college hockey arena the past two seasons and were a drain on the NHL’s revenue-sharing system as the league’s lowest revenue generator by a wide margin, pocketing at least $30 million a year through revenue sharing. —Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2024

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