feeder

feed·er

noun, often attributive \ˈfē-dər\

Definition of FEEDER

1

: one that feeds: as

a : one that fattens livestock for slaughter

b : a device or apparatus for supplying food

2

: one that eats or takes nourishment; especially : an animal being fattened or one suitable for fattening

3

a : one that supplies, replenishes, or connects

b : tributary 2

c : a heavy wire conductor supplying electricity at some point of an electric distribution system (as from a substation)

d : branch; especially : a branch transportation line

e : a road that provides access to a major artery

Examples of FEEDER

1. a pigeon feeder holding a bag of stale bread
2. <the lake has several feeders that have their headwaters near the Canadian border>

First Known Use of FEEDER

14th century

Related to FEEDER

Synonyms

affluent, bayou, branch, confluent, tributary, influent

Antonyms

distributary, effluent

Related Words

backwater; brook, brooklet, creek, rill, rivulet, run [chiefly Midland], streamlet; fountainhead, head, headstream, headwater, source

Rhymes with FEEDER

beader, bleeder, breeder, cedar, ceder, kneader, leader, pleader, reader, seeder, speeder, weeder