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 of separator

• divider
• fence
• wall

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

One of the biggest separators within the competing interest Bregman received from the Red Sox and Cubs was each team’s willingness to do something the organization typically tries to avoid. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026

In head-to-head tests, batteries using this gel lasted 1,100 hours, while those using standard commercial separators lasted only 120 hours. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026

But Johnson was quick to remind players that, while adrenaline and desire are valuable, details become the separator in big games. —Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

Why the results surprised scientists When tested, the all-waste-plastic supercapacitor outperformed similar devices made with traditional glass fiber separators. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for separator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

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