comparator

noun

com·​par·​a·​tor kəm-ˈper-ə-tər How to pronounce comparator (audio)
-ˈpa-rə-
: a device for comparing something with a similar thing or with a standard measure

Examples of comparator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web On the right is how they are encoded into the elements provided by the THAT, such as integrators and comparators. IEEE Spectrum, 28 Dec. 2023 But feeding it to a second op amp configured as a simple comparator (one that compares the input with zero volts) squared the signal up nicely, with the output switching between the +12-volt and –12-volt supply rails every 3 milliseconds or so. IEEE Spectrum, 26 Apr. 2022 Now, researchers who are aiming for more broadly protective vaccines need the comparators to improve the design of their own candidates. Byjon Cohen, science.org, 30 May 2023 The Helix products cannot serve as comparators to help pan-sarbecovirus vaccines win FDA approval. Byjon Cohen, science.org, 30 May 2023 But in many important ways, RSV is a good comparator for guessing what might be next in the world of common infectious diseases (especially since there are important similarities between RSV and the coronavirus family, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for our pandemic). Kent Sepkowitz, CNN, 5 Nov. 2022 One op amp is wired to two resistors to form an inverting Schmitt trigger: a comparator with two different voltage thresholds. IEEE Spectrum, 26 Apr. 2022 The effect size for the comparison of response rate to medications in the comparator and placebo controlled trials was large (Cohen’s d = 1.2). Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2010 For Southwest, an obvious comparator is Ryanair in Europe. Ben Baldanza, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'comparator.' 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

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of comparator was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near comparator

Cite this Entry

“Comparator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comparator. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

comparator

noun
com·​par·​a·​tor kəm-ˈpar-ət-ər How to pronounce comparator (audio)
1
: an apparatus used for determining concentration of dissolved substances (as hydrogen ions) in solution by color comparison with known standards
2
: an instrument, device, or set of charts (as for use in chemical analysis and medical diagnosis) for the determination and specification of colors by direct comparison with a standardized system of colors

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