Definition

Noun: A mechanical device designed to join or link the ends of two adjacent objects, creating a connection between them. It is a component that facilitates the coupling or joining of parts.

Usage

A "coupler" is used to describe a physical connector in mechanical, electrical, or railway systems. It is a specific type of hardware for linking components. - General Mechanical Connection: Used to join two shafts, pipes, or rods. - Railway Systems: Specifically refers to the device that connects railway cars or carriages. - Audio/Electrical Systems: Can refer to a device that transfers a signal from one circuit to another.

Examples

• The mechanic replaced the broken coupler between the two sections of the drive shaft.
• The train's automatic coupler failed, causing a delay in the departure.
• This audio coupler ensures the signal passes from the amplifier to the speaker without loss.

Advanced Usage

• "acoustic coupler": A type of modem that uses a telephone handset to connect to a network.
  • In the early days of computing, an acoustic coupler was a common way to connect to the internet.
• "directional coupler": A device in radio or microwave systems that samples a portion of the signal power.
  • The engineer used a directional coupler to measure the signal strength in the transmission line.

Variants and Related Words

• Couple (verb): To join or link two things together.
  • The two train cars were coupled together.
• Coupling (noun): The action of joining or the device that joins.
  • The coupling between the engine and the gearbox is flexible.
• Decoupler (noun): A device that disconnects or isolates components.

Synonyms

• Connector: A device for keeping two parts of an electrical or mechanical system joined.
• Link: A connecting element.
• Joint: A point where two parts are connected.

Related Phrases

• "coupler hook": The hook part of a railway coupler.
  • The coupler hook was securely fastened.
• "quick coupler": A connector designed for fast and easy attachment and detachment.
  • The hydraulic system uses quick couplers for easy tool changes.

Idioms

No common idioms are directly based on the word "coupler".

Noun

1. a mechanical device that serves to connect the ends of adjacent objects