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emitter

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɪmˈɪtə/

US

  • /ɪˈmɪtər/

Description

An emitter is anything that gives off something, such as light, heat, particles, or signals. Think of a lighthouse as a source of bright beams guiding ships. Or consider a radio station; it sends out radio waves that bring music to your ears.

The word comes from the idea of "emitting," which means sending something out. In science and technology, the term is common: an old television tube had a part that released electrons, and a heater can be described as something that gives off warmth. You may also see the word used in a loose, playful way for a person who seems to spread a certain mood, such as negativity.

Examples

  1. 1

    Everyday device

    The TV remote stopped working because its infrared emitter was loose.

  2. 2

    Climate emissions

    The factory is one of the region's biggest carbon emitters.

    • Meaning

      carbon emitter

      a person, company, or country that produces a lot of carbon dioxide

  3. 3

    Electronics

    In this transistor, the emitter is connected to ground.

    • Domain

      in electronics, the emitter is one of the three main parts of a transistor

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • emitternoun