equalizer
UK[ˈiːkwəlaɪzə]US[ˈiːkwəlaɪzər]
n
a device or system that makes things equal, especially one that balances or compensates for differences.
n
a goal, run, or point that makes the score in a game equal.
n
an electronic device that allows different frequencies in an audio signal to be adjusted separately.
Morpheme Breakdown
equal
ize
er
equal
equal
ize
make
er
agent/thing
Etymology
The word 'equalizer' is built upon the Latin adjective aequalis, meaning "equal" or "level", which itself derives from aequus (level, fair). The suffix -ize, of Greek origin, was productively added in English to form verbs meaning "to make or become". Finally, the agent suffix -er transforms the verb 'equalize' into a noun denoting an agent or instrument that performs the action. Thus, the literal morphemic logic "thing that makes equal" perfectly maps to its modern meanings, from a device that balances audio frequencies to a sports goal that levels the score.
Analysis
Structure: equal (equal) + ize (make) + er (agent/thing)
- equal: From Latin aequalis (equal, level), functioning as the core adjective root.
- ize: A verb-forming suffix from Greek -izein, via Latin -izare, meaning "to make, to render, to become".
- er: An agent noun suffix from Old English -ere (via Proto-Germanic), indicating a person or thing that performs an action.
Examples
The guitarist used a graphic equalizer to adjust the bass and treble.
His stunning header in the 89th minute was the equalizer, forcing the game into extra time.
Education is often seen as a great social equalizer.