separator

noun

sep·​a·​ra·​tor ˈse-pə-ˌrā-tər 

ˈse-ˌprā-tər

: one that separates

especially : a device for separating liquids of different specific gravities (such as cream from milk) or liquids from solids

Synonyms

• divider
• division
• partition
• separation

Examples of separator in a Sentence

the toddler insisted on a dinner plate with separators so that different foods would never touch one another

Recent Examples on the Web

These upcoming games will be a big separator for Fland. 23. —Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

Catch up fast: Lithium-ion batteries consist of an anode, a cathode, and a separator. —Alan Neuhauser, Axios, 9 Dec. 2024

The batteries also had thin separators in general, which increased the risks of separator damage and short circuiting. —Tim Moynihan, WIRED, 23 Jan. 2017

In addition to strengthening the right muscles to avoid this condition from worsening, the toe separators have actually helped to reduce the bunion all together. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

separator

noun

sep·​a·​ra·​tor ˈsep-ə-ˌrāt-ər 

: one that separates

especially : a device for separating liquids (as cream from milk) of different densities or liquids from solids

Medical Definition

separator

noun

sep·​a·​ra·​tor ˈsep-(ə-)ˌrāt-ər 

: one that separates: as

a

: a device for separating liquids of different specific gravities (as cream from milk) or liquids from solids

b

: a dental appliance for separating adjoining teeth to give access to their surfaces