imperator

noun

im·​pe·​ra·​tor ˌim-pə-ˈrä-tər 

-ˌtȯr

: a commander in chief or emperor of the ancient Romans

imperatorial

(ˌ)im-ˌper-ə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

adjective

Examples of imperator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Prior to Taylor-Joy, 27, taking over the title role of Furiosa, Charlize Theron starred as the imperator in the Oscar-winning 2015 action adventure film, Mad Max: Fury Road, alongside Tom Hardy and Nicholas Hoult. —Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024

In early 2022, a study controversially suggested the T. rex was actually three different species: T. rex, T. regina and T. imperator. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2024

It's also hotly debated that the T. rex had come from three different species – T. imperator, T. rex, and the smaller-boned T. regina. —Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 1 June 2023

Some of these early pterosaurs also may have had feathers, as the Tupandactylus imperator fossils found in Brazil revealed. —Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 14 July 2022

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin imperātor "person giving orders, commanding officer, title of honor bestowed on a victorious general by his troops, title conferred by the Roman senate on Julius Caesar and Augustus and adopted by later successors" — more at emperor

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

imperator

noun

im·​pe·​ra·​tor ˌim-pə-ˈrät-ər 

-ˈrä-ˌtȯ(ə)r

: a commander in chief or emperor of the ancient Romans