generator

noun

gen·​er·​a·​tor ˈje-nə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce generator (audio)
1
: one that generates: such as
a
: an apparatus in which vapor or gas is formed
b
: a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy
2
: a mathematical entity that when subjected to one or more operations yields another mathematical entity or its elements
specifically : generatrix

Did you know?

Generators work by rotating a coil of wire in a magnetic field, causing a current to flow in the wire. A generator may be a huge spinning turbine powered by water, wind, steam, gas, or nuclear reactions, which sends electricity out through power lines to thousands of customers. But normally when we use the word, we're thinking of a small machine powered by gasoline or diesel, such as you might keep in your basement for those times when a storm knocks out your power, to create electricity right in front of your eyes. A special kind of generator called an alternator powers a car's electrical system (including its lights, power steering, etc.) while the car is running.

Examples of generator in a Sentence

This new product will be a major revenue generator. a backup generator for the store
Recent Examples on the Web There are also iconic pieces included in the build, like a light-up flux capacitor, Mr. Fusion generator, a lightning rod, and the OUTATIME license plate. Mia Huelsbeck, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2024 There are generators that use biofuels and diesel as needed, but solar is the big player in the Brando’s energy future. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024 Or the builder is also offering hybrid power with twin 285 hp electric motors charged up by variable-speed generators that are good for a 30-mile battery-only range. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2024 Called Hassayampa Masterpiece, the house has geothermal heating and cooling and a backup generator. Catherine Reagor, The Arizona Republic, 16 Mar. 2024 Doctors implant the electrodes close to the subthalamic nucleus and then adjust the settings through a pulse generator that is implanted under the skin of the chest. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 Sora is above and beyond any current AI video generators, which feel more like stop-motion reels than true videos. Maxwell Zeff / Gizmodo, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 Like chatbots and image generators, this robotics technology learns its skills by analyzing enormous amounts of digital data. Cade Metz Balazs Gardi, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Built for families to live together on dead end road Allen said the property has two wells, room for a machine shop, and a separate building that housed a diesel generator. USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'generator.' 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

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of generator was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near generator

Cite this Entry

“Generator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generator. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

generator

noun
gen·​er·​a·​tor ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce generator (audio)
: one that generates: as
a
: a piece of laboratory equipment in which vapor or gas is formed
b
: a machine by which mechanical energy is changed into electrical energy

More from Merriam-Webster on generator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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