compensator

noun

com·​pen·​sa·​tor ˈkäm-pən-ˌsā-tər How to pronounce compensator (audio)
-ˌpen-
plural -s
: one that compensates: such as
d
: a combination of quartz plates of wedge shape used to measure the phase difference between the two rectangular vibration components of elliptically polarized light
e
: a photographic device (as a star diaphragm or suitably graded neutral-density filter) for holding back the light in the middle of the field of a wide-angle lens to allow proper exposure at the corners
f
: a portion of a direction finder that automatically applies a correction to the direction indication and that commonly consists of a mechanical arrangement of cams
g
: a device fitted to the muzzle of a firearm that reduces recoil by directing part of the powder gases through a series of lateral vents compare muzzle brake
h
: an electrical equalizer designed to compensate for the recording characteristic of a record and usually connected between a pickup and an amplifier

Word History

Etymology

compensate + -or

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Cite this Entry

“Compensator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compensator. Accessed 11 Dec. 2025.

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