Definition of generator
1 : one that generates: such asa : an apparatus in which vapor or gas is formedb : 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
From the M-W Editors
Examples of generator in a Sentence
This new product will be a major revenue generator.
a backup generator for the store
Recent Examples of generator from the Web
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The media company has used Time Out Market as a profit generator and a method to build awareness of its magazines, websites, apps, guides and events.
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Since then, U.S. power generators have increased their use of gas -- and renewables -- to the point where gas is now the country’s dominant power-plant fuel.
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Clark explained to council members that the money was available with the caveat that overnight visits could resume this year if HCPS officials could find money in the capital budget to buy the new generator and dryers.
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In some apartment buildings, residents have pooled resources to buy communal generators.
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Firefighters set up generators at the site so the event could continue, Burns said.
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About 30 percent of in-ground pools in the U.S. use a salt-chlorine generator, rather than traditional chlorine systems, according to PK Data, a research firm that analyzes the pool market.
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Across the street was a fruit stand, and next to it, a loud generator, set up by the government to supply electricity.
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Palette generators tend toward extremes: too complex or too simple.
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.
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.
First Known Use of generator
1646
GENERATOR Defined for English Language Learners
generator
playDefinition of generator for English Language Learners
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: something that produces something; especially : a machine that produces electricity
GENERATOR Defined for Kids
generator
playDefinition of generator for Students
: a machine that produces electricity
Learn More about generator
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See words that rhyme with generator Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for generator Spanish Central: Translation of generator Nglish: Translation of generator for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of generator for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about generator
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