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regulator |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Regulator \Reg"u*la`tor\ (-l?`t?r), n. 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 1.6 [wn]: regulator n 1: any of various mechanisms 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 device that maintains a steady speed in a machine (as by controlling the supply of fuel) [syn: {governor}]
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