Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who dispenses: A person who distributes or gives out something, especially in a systematic or official capacity.
   • A container designed to release its contents in controlled amounts: A device or object that holds a substance and is designed to release it in specific, measured quantities.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Person):

  • The pharmacist is the dispenser of prescription medications.
  • In ancient times, the village elder was often the dispenser of justice.

• Noun (Container/Device):

  • Please use the soap dispenser next to the sink.
  • The vending machine is an automated dispenser of snacks and drinks.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a dispenser of": To be a source or provider of something (often abstract).
  • The teacher was seen as a dispenser of wisdom to her students.
• "automatic dispenser": A machine that dispenses items without manual operation.
  • The bank's cash dispenser is out of service.

Variants and Related Words

• Dispense (verb): To distribute or provide (a service or product) to a number of people.
  • The machine dispenses coffee and tea.
• Dispensation (noun): The act of dispensing or distributing something; a special exemption from a rule or obligation.
  • They sought dispensation from the usual requirements.

Synonyms

• Distributor: One that markets or sells merchandise.
• Supplier: A person or organization that provides something needed.
• Dispensary: A place where medicines are prepared and provided. (Note: This is a related place, not a direct synonym for the person/device).

Related Phrases

• Towel dispenser: A device that holds and dispenses paper or cloth towels.
  • Refill the paper in the towel dispenser in the restroom.
• Soap dispenser: A container, often pump-action, for liquid soap.
  • The soap dispenser is empty.

Noun

1. a person who dispenses
2. a container so designed that the contents can be used in prescribed amounts