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

• 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

That’s thanks to 980 QuantumScape’s QSE-5 cells, which use a lithium-metal anode and a ceramic separator in place of the 18-kWh battery pack that’s equipped with 1,152 cylindrical 21700 cells, which the stock moto usually packs. —New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2025

This high-temperature approach works to create dense, defect-free ceramic separators that can block dendrite formation while maintaining high ionic conductivity. —Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2025

Influencers frequently recommend toe spacers (or separators) to fix all sorts of problems, from bunions and blisters to back aches and poor athletic form. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2025

This is the biggest separator from this year’s potential Dodgers team to the one that won it all last October. —Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 18 Aug. 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