separator

noun

sep·​a·​ra·​tor ˈse-pə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce separator (audio)
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

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 George Spies, co-organizer with the rapid response group said the group would also like to see concrete curb separators. Kristin J. Bender, The Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2024 Each pot has soil separators on its bottom to encourage adequate airflow through the soil, which helps minimize the risk of mold and rot. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024 This Bacon Storage Box stores multiple bacon packs with a separator at the bottom to catch all the slime and grease. Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2023 And the engine’s ECM can also handle renewable diesel thanks to the injectors and mapping profiles, as well as a water separator in the fuel filter. Michael Van Runkle, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 An electrolyte allows lithium ions that carry an electric charge to move across a separator between the positive and negative terminals of a lithium-ion battery. Apparao Rao, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2024 Eventually, the needles penetrate the separator and reach the other electrode, short-circuiting the battery internally and leading to overheating. Apparao Rao, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2024 This might include dual main compartments, dividers, zippered sections, a compression panel, various pockets, a shoe separator, a laptop sleeve, a garment sleeve, or a removable laundry bag. Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2023 For the negative electrode, magnesium is used, while the electrolyte is composed of magnesium acetate, and cellulose is used for the separator. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Nov. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'separator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of separator was in 1607

Dictionary Entries Near separator

Cite this Entry

“Separator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/separator. Accessed 2 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

separator

noun
sep·​a·​ra·​tor ˈsep-ə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce separator (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce separator (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on separator

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