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

Sewing up a major after capturing gold at the 2020 Olympics and winning seven other times on the PGA Tour is a separator between those in the conversation and those who create the conversation. —Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2024

The urine separator then diverts urine away from the solid waste, directing it into a separate container or an external leach field. —Debbie Wolfe, Popular Science, 15 May 2024

The Denver area facility, just northwest of Charlotte, will manufacture battery separator components for North American customers. —Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 2 May 2024

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

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