generator

noun

gen·er·a·tor | \ ˈje-nə-ˌrā-tər

Definition of generator

1 : one that generates: such as

a : an apparatus in which vapor or gas is formed

b : a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy

2 : a mathematical entity that when subjected to one or more operations yields another mathematical entity or its elements specifically : generatrix

Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about generator

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Did You Know?

Generators work by rotating a coil of wire in a magnetic field, causing a current to flow in the wire. A generator may be a huge spinning turbine powered by water, wind, steam, gas, or nuclear reactions, which sends electricity out through power lines to thousands of customers. But normally when we use the word, we're thinking of a small machine powered by gasoline or diesel, such as you might keep in your basement for those times when a storm knocks out your power, to create electricity right in front of your eyes. A special kind of generator called an alternator powers a car's electrical system (including its lights, power steering, etc.) while the car is running.

Examples of generator in a Sentence

This new product will be a major revenue generator. a backup generator for the store

Recent Examples on the Web

This relies on wearable sound generators, or small, hearing aid-like devices that emit noises (music, tones, white noise) to help conceal tinnitus, according to the NIDCD. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "What Is Tinnitus?," 30 Jan. 2019 There's even a bit of slapback on that vocal as Jim Andreas sings of a sad, sad generator he's convinced will take the pain away on the most contagious rocker of the year so far. — Ed Masley, azcentral, "These are the best songs of 2018, so far," 12 July 2018 One consequential result was the agency's shifting stance on mandatory emissions limits for portable generators, which omit more carbon monoxide than cars. — Rachel Van Dongen, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: One Republican senator has the power to defeat Trump's Supreme Court nominee," 2 July 2018 Then, there’s the operational nitty-gritty: replacing things like boilers, generators, electrical panels, and water tanks. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, "Inside Queen Elizabeth’s Plan to Save Buckingham Palace," 28 June 2018 All aim to improve on commercial random number generators, not only by being free, but by generating the random numbers through transparent protocols and permanently archiving them. — Sophia Chen, Science | AAAS, "Why are countries creating public random number generators?," 28 June 2018 In upgrading the house, the couple installed central air conditioning, a natural gas generator, a central vacuum system, baseboard heating and a fire sprinkler system. — Joan Walden, courant.com, "288 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury," 21 June 2018 The San Antonio Express-News reports these engines, ranging in size from nine to 18 liters, are used in generators, oil and gas operations and industrial applications. — Rye Druzin, chicagotribune.com, "Caterpillar plant in Texas reminder of trade conflict stakes," 20 June 2018 These engines, ranging in size from nine to 18 liters, are used in generators, oil and gas operations and industrial applications. — Rye Druzin, San Antonio Express-News, "Caterpillar plant shows stakes of growing trade conflict," 19 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'generator.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.