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Glite Dictionary
contactor

contactor

1 5.5
A device that turns electrical power on or off, often by remote control
  • noun
  • /kənˈtæktər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : contactador
  • The remote control allowed her to activate the contactor from a distance.
  • biological contactor

Examples

  • The point of this work is to improve the outlook for extraction and handling of the precipitating fission products to enhance waste management strategies based on continuous flow contactor incorporated into the pump.

    Blog text (32)

  • - Contactor.

    Hell's Angels (1930)

  • - Contactor.

    Hell's Angels (1930)

  • Popular alternatives are the rotating biological contactor, mound systems, and aerobic treatment plants.

    Academic text (1995)

  • A favorite alternate (secondary) treatment system in the UK is the rotating biological contactor (RBC).

    Academic text (1995)

  • Commonly, reed beds are used to polish effluent treated by rotating biological contactors to produce a highly treated effluent suitable for stream discharge.

    Academic text (1995)

  • The technician installed a new contactor to control the electrical circuit for the machinery.

  • Before starting the generator, make sure the contactor is functioning properly.

Synonyms

switch
vscontactor
  • Specialized
233 2.5

A small device that turns electrical power on or off

is specialized for controlling power circuits and usually works under remote command
on/off switch
vscontactor
2 2.2

A control that turns a device on or off

is used to control power circuits remotely rather than by local manual action
electrical relay
vscontactor
  • Specialized
1 4.5

A device that uses a small current to switch another circuit on or off

is for controlling a power circuit directly often by remote electrical signal
electrical switch
vscontactor
1 2.8

A device that connects and cuts the flow of electricity to turn a light or machine on and off

is for heavy power applications and often triggered from a distance
electric switch
vscontactor
2.7

A small device on a wall that turns electricity on and off

is intended for power circuit control typically operated by remote equipment

How Powerful

contactor
  • Specialized
1 5.5
relais
  • UK
9.9
switch
  • Specialized
233 2.5

Surface Forms

contactor singular
contactors plural

Morphology

contactor = contact (transparent) = contact + or

Formed by the verb 'contact' plus the agentive suffix '-or', yielding a device or agent that makes contact; the meaning is a straightforward technical extension.

Etymology

The word contactor comes from the common word contact, which means 'to touch', and the ending -or, which means 'one who does something'. So a contactor is a device that 'makes contact' to turn a power circuit on or off, like a remote switch.