Regulator
/ˈreɡjəleɪtər/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person or body that supervises an activity, business, or process, ensuring that it conforms to established rules or laws; a device that controls a mechanism.
/ˈreɡjəleɪtər/
A person or thing that controls or maintains something.
The central bank acts as the regulator of the nation's currency.
💡 Simply: A regulator is like the boss of a system, making sure everything works smoothly and follows the rules. For example, imagine the temperature regulator in your fridge, which keeps your food cold and fresh!
👶 For kids: A regulator is like a rule-maker or a thing that helps keep something working right. Like, the speed control on a toy car!
More Examples
The regulator on the gas line prevents excessive pressure.
Financial regulators are responsible for overseeing the banking sector.
The thermostat is a temperature regulator.
How It's Used
"The government agency is the primary regulator of the financial industry."
"The voltage regulator ensures a stable power supply."
A type of precision pendulum clock.
/ˈreɡjəleɪtər/
A type of clock.
The museum displayed a collection of antique regulators.
💡 Simply: A regulator, in old-fashioned terms, can also be a very accurate clock, like the ones they used in old science labs!
👶 For kids: Sometimes, regulator is a fancy word for a special kind of clock.
More Examples
The regulator was used to set the time on other clocks.
He carefully wound the regulator each day to ensure accurate timekeeping.
The precision of the regulator was essential for scientific experiments.
How It's Used
"The antique regulator clock chimed the hour."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Medieval Latin *regulatōr* (regulator), from *regula* ('rule'). The verb 'regulate' entered English in the late 16th century, with 'regulator' appearing shortly thereafter.
The term 'regulator' has been used in various contexts since the 17th century, primarily in relation to control and adjustment of mechanical processes, before evolving to describe those who supervise industries or activities.
Memory tip
Think of a traffic regulator controlling the flow of vehicles.
Word Origin
"rule"