separator

noun

sep·​a·​ra·​tor ˈse-pə-ˌrā-tər 

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

Synonyms of separator

• divider
• fence
• wall

Examples of separator in a Sentence

the toddler insisted on a dinner plate with separators so that different foods would never touch one another

Recent Examples on the Web

Towards the end of last year, the two companies jointly unveiled a groundbreaking separator-free solid-state battery technology, signaling the beginning of a multi-year collaboration. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026

But Johnson was quick to remind players that, while adrenaline and desire are valuable, details become the separator in big games. —Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

For the separator, small pieces of PET were flattened and carefully perforated with hot needles. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026

But his lack of experience as a head coach is an obvious separator when comparing his candidacy to other names on the Spartans’ watchlist. —Anne Erickson, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for separator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

separator

noun

sep·​a·​ra·​tor ˈsep-ə-ˌrāt-ər 

: 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 

: 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