separator

noun

sep·​a·​ra·​tor ˈse-pə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce separator (audio)
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

Example Sentences

the toddler insisted on a dinner plate with separators so that different foods would never touch one another
Recent Examples on the Web Indeed, one of the great separators for Mayer is his openness to developmental risks rather than complacency about his considerable talent base. Alex Speier, BostonGlobe.com, 29 May 2023 These are then stacked with separators, moistened with electrolytes, and rolled up. Keith Bradsher, New York Times, 16 May 2023 This may include dual main compartments, various pockets, a shoe separator, zippered sections, a removable laundry bag, a garment bag, a laptop sleeve, and maybe even a USB port with a powerbank pouch. Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2023 There are several pockets and a separator inside for organization, and the USB port is a great feature. Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 14 May 2023 Six canvas plates, two hanger elements, a brick separator and a decorative tile with Hokusai’s signature make up the package. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2022 Even at one quarter of a percent of the facility’s 400-kW maximum power, approximately 40 different isotopes passed through the separator to the instruments. Artemis Spyrou, The Conversation, 14 Nov. 2022 The facade had been used as a separator between galleries inside the Arts Center. Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2022 Technology will only get more complicated and intricate, and the act of selling, as a result, will move from the pre-purchase activity consumers have known so well for the past century to more of a post-purchase activity, where service becomes the real separator. Chris Walton, Forbes, 12 Apr. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'separator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of separator was in 1607

Dictionary Entries Near separator

Cite this Entry

“Separator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/separator. Accessed 10 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

separator

noun
sep·​a·​ra·​tor ˈsep-ə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce separator (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce separator (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on separator

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