kəmˈparəd.ə(r) also ˈkämpəˌrād.- noun
( -s )
Etymology: French & Latin; French comparateur, from Latin comparator comparer, from comparatus (past participle of comparare to compare) + -or
: one that compares something to be measured with a standard measure: as
a.
(1) : a device employing a micrometer screw or a vernier and a microscope in the precise measurement of short lengths
(2) : any of various devices for the rapid inspection of mechanical parts to detect deviations from a standard piece
b. : an apparatus used for determining concentration of dissolved substances (as hydrogen ions) in solution by color comparison with known standards — compare colorimeter 2
c. : an instrument, device, or set of charts (as for use in chemical analysis and medical diagnosis) for the determination and specification of colors by direct comparison with a standardized system of colors
d. : stereocomparator