regulator

2 definitions found

regulator - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Regulator \Reg"u*la`tor\ (-l?`t?r), n.
     1. One who, or that which, regulates.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Mach.) A contrivance for regulating and controlling
        motion, as:
        (a) The lever or index in a watch, which controls the
            effective length of the hairspring, and thus regulates
            the vibrations of the balance.
        (b) The governor of a steam engine.
        (c) A valve for controlling the admission of steam to the
            steam chest, in a locomotive.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     3. A clock, or other timepiece, used as a standard of correct
        time. See Astronomical clock
        (a), under Clock.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     4. A member of a volunteer committee which, in default of the
        lawful authority, undertakes to preserve order and prevent
        crimes; also, sometimes, one of a band organized for the
        comission of violent crimes. [U.S.]
        [1913 Webster]
  
              A few stood neutral, or declared in favor of the
              Regulators.                           --Bancroft.
        [1913 Webster]

regulator - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  regulator
      n 1: any of various controls or devices for regulating or
           controlling fluid flow, pressure, temperature, etc.
      2: an official responsible for control and supervision of a
         particular activity or area of public interest
      3: a control that maintains a steady speed in a machine (as by
         controlling the supply of fuel) [syn: governor,
         regulator]