circulator

circulator

A circulator spreads news quickly in a small town.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • One who spreads or transmits: "circulator" refers to a person who disseminates information, rumors, or diseases from one place or person to another.
    • A device for moving fluid or air: In technical contexts, a "circulator" is a mechanical device (e.g., a pump or fan) that causes liquid or gas to move in a closed loop.
Usage Examples

  • Person:

    • The newspaper hired a circulator to distribute flyers across the city. (Someone who spreads printed material.)
    • He was known as a malicious circulator of false rumors. (A person who transmits gossip.)

  • Device:

    • The water heater relies on a circulator pump to keep the water moving through the pipes. (A mechanical device for moving liquid.)
    • The laboratory uses an air circulator to maintain even temperature in the room. (A fan for moving air.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to act as a circulator": to function as a medium for spreading something.
    • The internet has become a powerful circulator of news. (The internet spreads news widely.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Circulate (verb): to move or spread around.

    • Blood circulates through the body. (Blood moves continuously.)

  • Circulation (noun): the movement or spread of something.

    • The circulation of this magazine has increased. (The distribution of copies.)

  • Circulatory (adjective): relating to circulation, especially of blood.

    • The circulatory system includes the heart and blood vessels. (The system for moving blood.)
Synonyms
  • Spreader: a person or thing that disperses something.
  • Transmitter: one who sends or conveys something (e.g., a signal, disease).
  • Disseminator: one who scatters information widely.
  • Pump (for devices): a machine for moving fluids.
Phrasal Verbs (using "circulate")

  • Circulate around: to move in a circular path around something.

    • The rumor circulated around the office quickly. (Spread through the office.)

  • Circulate among: to move or be passed from person to person within a group.

    • The petition circulated among the employees. (Was passed around.)
Related Idioms

  • In circulation: available or active; being passed around.

    • The old coins are no longer in circulation. (No longer used as money.)

  • Out of circulation: not participating or available.

    • After surgery, he was out of circulation for a month. (Not active socially or physically.)