Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device or substance that divides or keeps things apart: A "separator" is something that causes separation, either by physically dividing objects or by extracting one component from a mixture.
   • A machine that isolates components: Specifically, a "separator" can refer to an apparatus, such as a centrifuge, designed to mechanically separate substances of different densities (e.g., cream from milk, solids from a liquid).

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The laboratory uses a high-speed separator to isolate plasma from blood samples.
  • A magnetic separator can remove iron filings from sand.
  • Install a separator between the different types of files in the cabinet.

Advanced Usage

• "Centrifugal separator": A specific type of separator that uses rapid spinning (centrifugal force) to separate mixtures.

  • The dairy plant employs a centrifugal separator to produce skim milk and cream.

• "Field separator": In computing, a character (like a comma or tab) used to distinguish data fields in a record.

  • In a CSV file, the comma acts as the field separator.

Variants and Related Words

• Separate (verb): To divide or set apart.
  • It is difficult to separate the two ideas.
• Separation (noun): The act or process of separating.
  • The separation of waste is important for recycling.
• Separatory (adjective): Relating to or used for separation (technical term).
  • A separatory funnel is used in chemistry.

Synonyms

• Divider: Something that forms a boundary or partition.
• Extractor: A device for removing a particular component.
• Partitioner: One who or that which divides into parts.

Related Phrases

• Oil-water separator: A device used to remove oil from wastewater.

  • The factory installed an oil-water separator to meet environmental regulations.

• Grade separator: In civil engineering, a structure (like an overpass) that eliminates intersection conflicts between roads or railways.

  • The new grade separator eased traffic congestion at the busy junction.

Noun

1. an apparatus that uses centrifugal force to separate particles from a suspension