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
• division
• partition
• separation

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

China dominates the advanced battery supply chains across the globe, including the refining of cobalt, copper, lithium, and nickel, as well as the production of anodes, separators, and electrolytes. —Seth G. Jones, Foreign Affairs, 31 Mar. 2023

Many weren’t insulated well, while others had jagged edges inside that damaged the all-important separator. —Tim Moynihan, WIRED, 19 Mar. 2017

Chinese companies are even more dominant in battery components, such as cathodes, anodes, separators and electrolytes. —Shawn Tully, Fortune Europe, 10 Oct. 2024

One application of water should be good for up to seven hours of electrical stimulation, after which time the separator will have dried out. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

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