Regulator is a common English word that refers to something that regulates or controls. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈrɛɡjʊleɪtər/. The first syllable, "reg," sounds like the word "reg" with a short "e" sound, followed by a "j" sound. The second syllable, "u," sounds like the letter "u" and the third syllable, "lay," sounds like the word "lay" with a long "a" sound. The final syllable, "ter," sounds like the word "ter" with a soft "r" sound.
A regulator, noun, refers to an entity, device, or mechanism that exercises control or oversight, aiming to manage, maintain, supervise, or enforce specific standards, rules, or processes. It is primarily responsible for maintaining order, fair practices, and safety within a particular system, industry, or organization.
In the context of governance or public administration, a regulator refers to a government agency or authority entrusted with the task of ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and industry standards. Such organizations typically work independently, focusing on protecting public interests and preventing market abuses. A key function of a regulatory body is to monitor and enforce compliance with legislative frameworks, licensing requirements, and operational standards, thereby upholding fairness, transparency, and accountability in various sectors.
The concept of regulator is also prevalent in various technical fields such as engineering and electronics. Here, a regulator is typically deployed as a device or component responsible for controlling specific characteristics of a system. For instance, voltage regulators maintain a stable voltage supply to electronic circuits, ensuring optimal performance and preventing damage. Similarly, a pressure regulator controls and stabilizes fluid pressure within a given range in mechanical systems.
In summary, the term "regulator" denotes an entity or device that exercises control, oversight, or management with the aim of maintaining order, fairness, and compliance within a particular system, industry, or organization.
The small spring of a watch which regulates its motions; the part of any machine which regulates its movements.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "regulator" originates from the Latin verb "regulare", which means "to rule" or "to regulate". It is derived from the noun "regula", meaning "a rule" or "a straight piece of wood". The Latin term was later adapted into the English language, and the noun form "regulator" emerged to refer to a person or thing that maintains order, controls, or governs. The word's meaning has expanded over time to encompass various contexts, including mechanical devices used to control the flow or pressure of a substance, financial overseers, and individuals responsible for maintaining law and order.