ˈsepəˌrād.ə(r), -ātə- also -eˌprā- noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Late Latin, one that separates, from Latin separatus (past participle) + -or
1. often capitalized : separatist
2. : one that separates a mixture into its constituent elements: as
a. : threshing machine
b. : a device for extracting water from steam before it enters a steam engine
c. : a device for separating liquids of different specific gravities (as cream from milk) or liquids from solids ; especially : centrifuge
d. : a revolving screen or a machine containing a revolving perforated cylinder with beater arms for separating cottonseed meats from the hulls
e.
(1) : any of various machines for dressing ore or removing slate from coal
(2) : an electromagnetic apparatus to separate magnetic ores from rock, sand, or other impurities
3. : one that divides or serves as a barrier: as
a.
(1) : raddle 3
(2) : a spindle guard that controls the ballooning of yarn — called also antiballooner
b. : a device (as of wood or perforated hard-rubber sheets) for preventing metallic contact between the electrodes of opposite polarity within a voltaic cell
c. : a casting for separating the sections of a built-up girder
d. : a dental appliance for separating adjoining teeth to give access to their surfaces
e. : a traffic barrier to discourage or prevent the passage of vehicles from one lane to another
4. : a worker who separates by hand or machine: as
a. : an operator of a centrifugal machine for reclaiming lubricating oil
b. : one who cuts individual garment parts (as collars, sleeves) from a roll
c. : a classifier of laundry