Regulator

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Regulator \Reg"u*la`tor\ (-l?`t?r), n.
     1. One who, or that which, regulates.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Mach.) A contrivance for regulating and controlling
        motion, as:


        (a) The lever or index in a watch, which controls the
            effective length of the hairspring, and thus regulates
            the vibrations of the balance.
        (b) The governor of a steam engine.
        (c) A valve for controlling the admission of steam to the
            steam chest, in a locomotive.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     3. A clock, or other timepiece, used as a standard of correct
        time. See {Astronomical clock}
        (a), under {Clock}.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     4. A member of a volunteer committee which, in default of the
        lawful authority, undertakes to preserve order and prevent
        crimes; also, sometimes, one of a band organized for the
        comission of violent crimes. [U.S.]
        [1913 Webster]
  
              A few stood neutral, or declared in favor of the
              Regulators.                           --Bancroft.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  regulator
       n 1: any of various controls or devices for regulating or
            controlling fluid flow, pressure, temperature, etc.
       2: a official responsible for control and supervision of a
          particular activity or area of public interest
       3: a control that maintains a steady speed in a machine (as by
          controlling the supply of fuel) [syn: {governor}]