Dispenser
/dɪˈspɛnsər/
Definitions
2 meaningsA device or container that releases or dispenses something.
/dɪˈspɛnsər/
A device that releases something in measured or controlled quantities.
The coffee machine is also a hot water dispenser.
💡 Simply: Imagine a cool gadget that *gives out* stuff! Like the thing in the bathroom that gives you soap, or the one at the movie theater that gives out popcorn. That's a dispenser!
👶 For kids: A thing that gives you something, like a soap pump or a candy machine.
More Examples
The paper towel dispenser was nearly empty.
A hand sanitizer dispenser was placed at the entrance to the building.
How It's Used
"The soap dispenser automatically releases the perfect amount of liquid."
"The medication dispenser ensures patients take their pills on schedule."
"A candy dispenser offered a variety of treats."
A person who distributes or deals out something.
/dɪˈspɛnsər/
A person who distributes something.
The company hired a dispenser to manage employee benefits.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, a dispenser can be a *person* too! Like someone who gives out the supplies at a school or office. They're dispensing the materials you need!
👶 For kids: A person who gives out something, like a person who hands out food or supplies.
More Examples
The court appointed a dispenser of funds to oversee the project.
The restaurant's designated dispenser of free food had been doing so for years.
How It's Used
"The law dispenser ensures fair treatment of the law."
"In the old days, the dispenser of food would distribute meals to the needy."
From Old French *dispenser* (to dispense, distribute), from Latin *dispensare* (to weigh out, distribute), from *dis-* (apart) + *pensare* (to weigh, consider).
The term 'dispenser' has been used since the 16th century, evolving from its original meaning of distributing food or drink to its current broader application to any device that dispenses.
Memory tip
Think of a 'pen ser' - like the pen that *dispenses* ink, but for other things!