What does isolator mean?
An isolator is a person, thing, or device that separates something from contact, interference, or the transmission of energy. The word is most common in technical and engineering contexts, where an isolator may reduce vibration in machinery, interrupt an electrical connection, prevent heat or sound from passing between structures, or separate sensitive equipment from external influences. In medicine, an isolator can refer to equipment or arrangements used to separate a patient from others, often to reduce infection risk. The term can also describe someone who sets another person or group apart, although that sense is less common. Its usefulness lies in expressing not merely physical separation, but deliberate protection against interference, connection, or transmission.
nounA person or thing that isolates something from contact, interference, or transmission. In engineering, the term refers to a device designed to prevent the transmission of vibration, heat, sound, electricity, or another form of energy.
- A person or thing that separates or protects something from contact, interference, or transmission.
- A device designed to prevent or reduce the transmission of vibration, heat, sound, electricity, or another form of energy.
- An electrical device that disconnects a circuit or provides isolation between circuit sections.
"The rubber mounts act as vibration isolators, reducing the effect of the machinery's movement on the surrounding structure."
"The engineer installed vibration isolators beneath the heavy equipment."
"A patient in isolation may need an isolator to prevent the spread of infection."
The plural is used when referring to more than one isolating devices or systems.
"The technicians replaced the damaged isolators under the machinery."
From earthquake-resistant buildings to laboratory instruments, isolators help stop unwanted energy from travelling from one place to another.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does isolator come from?
The word was formed in the early 19th century from the Latin-derived isolate, meaning “set apart,” with the suffix -er denoting an agent or device that performs the action. The same root appears in isolation, isolated, and isolable. Its later technical meanings developed as people applied the idea of separation to electrical circuits, mechanical vibration, sound, heat, and other forms of energy.
How isolator is actually used
The term is mainly technical. Its precise meaning depends on context: in engineering it normally denotes a device that limits the transmission of energy or isolates part of a system, while in medicine and social contexts it can refer to a person or arrangement associated with separation.
Easily confused with isolator
An isolator is intended to interrupt or separate a connection or transmission, whereas an insulator primarily prevents electricity from flowing through a material.