Definition

1. Noun:
   • A machine for sorting things into classes: A device that automatically organizes items (such as punched cards, letters, or other objects) into specific groups or categories based on predetermined criteria.
   • A clerk who sorts things: A person whose job is to organize and categorize items, such as letters at a post office or goods in a warehouse.

Examples

• Noun (Machine):

  • The new mail sorter can process thousands of letters per hour.
  • The factory uses an automated sorter to separate different grades of fruit.

• Noun (Person):

  • The sorter at the post office organizes mail by zip code.
  • She worked as a sorter in a recycling plant, separating plastics from paper.

Advanced Usage

• "Optical sorter": A type of machine that uses cameras and sensors to sort items based on color, shape, or material.

  • The recycling facility installed an optical sorter to improve efficiency.

• "Job sorter": Can refer to a person or system that categorizes tasks or employment applications.

  • The HR department uses a software-based job sorter to filter resumes.

Variants and Related Words

• Sort (verb): To arrange systematically in groups.

  • Please sort the documents by date.

• Sortable (adjective): Capable of being sorted.

  • The items are not easily sortable by hand.

• Sortation (noun): The process or action of sorting.

  • The sortation of parcels is the first step in the delivery chain.

Synonyms

• Classifier: A person or thing that classifies.
• Separator: A machine or device for separating things.
• Clerk (in specific contexts): An office worker who performs tasks like sorting.

Related Phrases

• "Sorter's desk": The workstation where a sorter performs their duties.

  • The sorter's desk was piled high with incoming parcels.

• "Automated sorter": A sorter that operates without direct human control.

  • The automated sorter reduced manual labor costs significantly.

Noun

1. a machine for sorting things (such as punched cards or letters) into classes
2. a clerk who sorts things (as letters at the post office)