separator
UK[ˈsep.ər.eɪ.tər]US[ˈsep.ə.reɪ.t̬ɚ]
n
a device or object that keeps two or more things apart.
n
a machine for separating things, such as cream from milk.
Morpheme Breakdown
separ
ator
separ
to set apart
ator
agent suffix
Etymology
The word "separator" is built directly on the Latin verb separare, meaning "to set apart." The core idea of division is embedded in the prefix se- (apart) combined with parare (to prepare or arrange), suggesting the act of arranging things into distinct groups. By adding the agent suffix -ator, the word shifts from describing the action to naming the instrument or device that performs it. Thus, a separator logically evolved to mean any object or mechanism that enacts the function of dividing or keeping entities apart.
Analysis
Structure: separ (to set apart) + ator (agent suffix)
"separ" originates from Latin separare (to set apart, divide), from se- (apart) and parare (to make ready, arrange). "ator" is a Latin agent noun suffix, indicating a person or thing that performs an action.
Examples
A perforated line acts as a tear-off separator in the notepad.
The cream separator efficiently divided the milk into cream and skimmed milk.
Install a battery separator between the cells to prevent short circuits.