insulator

noun

in·​su·​la·​tor ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlā-tər 

: one that insulates: such as

a

: a material that is a poor conductor (as of electricity or heat) compare semiconductor

b

: a device made of an electrical insulating material and used for separating or supporting conductors

Examples of insulator in a Sentence

Metal is not a good insulator.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Cornell group, however, started with an insulator and added nothing. —Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 6 Dec. 2024

Outside of its luxurious-to-the-touch texture, suede is a fantastic insulator, trapping heat inside whenever there are frigid temperatures outside. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2024

Firstly, the cache could act as an insulator and prevent the CCD from being cooled as effectively as a standard CPU. —Antony Leather, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024

Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images The 73-acre plot is bordered by a dense green forest, which serves as an effective insulator from the hustle and bustle of nearby Massachusetts Avenue. —Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

insulator

noun

in·​su·​la·​tor ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt-ər 

: one that insulates

especially : a material that is a poor conductor of heat or electricity or a device made of such material

Medical Definition

insulator

noun

in·​su·​la·​tor ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt-ər 

: a material that is used to provide insulation

also : a device made of such material