isolators
|i-so-la-tors|
🇺🇸
/ˈaɪ.sə.leɪ.tɚ/
🇬🇧
/ˈaɪ.sə.leɪ.tə/
(isolator)
separates; keeps apart
Etymology
'isolator' originates from Italian 'isolare', specifically the word 'isolare', where 'isola' meant 'island'.
'isolate' came into English from Italian 'isolare' (from Latin 'insula' meaning 'island'); the agentive suffix '-or' was later added in English/Latin-derived formation to form 'isolator'.
Initially it meant 'to make into an island' (to separate); over time it evolved into the general sense 'to separate or keep apart', and 'isolator' came to mean 'one that isolates' or 'a device that isolates'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'isolator': a device that isolates or disconnects a part of a system; especially an electrical isolator or disconnector used to ensure a circuit is de-energized for maintenance.
The technicians inspected the isolators on the high-voltage line before starting repairs.
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Noun 2
plural of 'isolator': people or things that isolate others or themselves; those who cause separation or who remain apart (socially or functionally).
During the outbreak, several isolators chose to stay in separate housing to reduce transmission.
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Last updated: 2026/01/11 10:31