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Glite Dictionary
💡 A circuit device 🙊 A person who disrupts
interrupter

interrupter

1 5.8
A device that stops an electric current to protect a circuit
  • noun
  • /ˌɪntəˈrʌptər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : interruptor
  • A ground fault circuit interrupter automatically cuts off electricity to prevent shocks.
  • fault interrupter
  • Circuit interrupter
  • Ground-fault interrupter

Examples

  • Electrical hook-ups are isolated physically from the liquids and are powered via a UL-approved "Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter" electrical outlet to prevent the possibility of shock.

    Academic text (1993)

  • Because this spring here, this is called taking care not to overstress the interrupter return spring.

  • The attendants will remove the interrupter!

    Tennessee Johnson (1942)

  • Installing a interrupter in the circuit can help avoid electrical hazards.

  • The electrician recommended a ground fault interrupter for safer outdoor outlets.

Synonyms

breaker
vsinterrupter
  • Specialized
48 4.3

A switch that stops electricity when too much flows in a circuit

interrupts current automatically without mentioning safety purpose
circuit breaker
vsinterrupter
  • Specialized
8 3.9

A device that automatically stops electric current to prevent overloads

interrupts current automatically without specifying protection function

Surface Forms

interrupter singular
interrupters plural

Morphology

interrupter = interrupt (transparent) = interrupt + er

Formed by the verb 'interrupt' + agent/instrument '-er'; the device sense follows a regular, predictable derivation.

Etymology

Interrupter comes from the parts inter- 'between' and rupt 'break', the same root you see in disrupt and rupture. So an electrical interrupter is something that 'breaks' the flow of current to protect the circuit.