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

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

As modern music-making increasingly integrates AI, more artists will turn to tools that streamline their solo productions — from stem separators and vocal changers that can tweak existing tracks to sample creators and full-song generators that replicate the entire creative process. —Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025

The separator is the membrane between the anode and cathode, which allows lithium ions to pass through but prevents a short circuit. —James Morris, Forbes.com, 13 July 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