 |
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Regulator \Reg"u*la'tor\ (-l?'t?r), noun
1. One who, or that which, regulates.
2. (Mach.) A contrivance for regulating and controlling motion, as: (a) The lever or index in a watch, which controls the effective length of the hairspring, and thus regulates the vibrations of the balance. (b) The governor of a steam engine. (c) A valve for controlling the admission of steam to the steam chest, in a locomotive.
3. A clock, or other timepiece, used as a standard of correct time. See {Astronomical clock} (a), under {Clock}.
4. A member of a volunteer committee which, in default of the lawful authority, undertakes to preserve order and prevent crimes; also, sometimes, one of a band organized for the comission of violent crimes. [U.S.]
A few stood neutral, or declared in favor of the Regulators. --Bancroft.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
regulator
noun
1: any of various controls or devices for regulating or controlling fluid flow, pressure, temperature, etc.
2: a official responsible for control and supervision of a particular activity or area of public interest
3: a control that maintains a steady speed in a machine (as by controlling the supply of fuel) [syn: {governor}]
 |
Definitions retrieved from local copies of the freely distributed DICT client/server software and databases. Click here for database copyright information. - KM |