Approximator Meaning and Definition
Approximator
Pronunciation
/æprɪkˈseɪtər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A device or technique that approximates or estimates a quantity or value, often used in scientific or engineering applications.
Examples
- The approximator in the electrical circuit allowed for a more accurate measurement of the voltage.
- The software’s approximator feature improved the accuracy of the calculations.
Synonyms
- Estimator
- Approximant
Antonyms
- Exact
- Precise
Etymology
The word “Approximator” comes from the Latin “approximare”, meaning “to bring near”, and the suffix “-ator”, forming a noun indicating a person or thing that performs a certain action.
Usage Notes
When using the term “Approximator”, be clear about the context in which it is being applied. In technical or scientific discussions, “Approximator” typically refers to a specific device or technique. In more general usage, it may refer to a rough estimate or approximation.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the term “Approximator” has appeared in various contexts, including science fiction and engineering fiction. For example, in the TV series “Star Trek: The Next Generation”, the crew uses an “Approximator” device to measure the mass of an alien spaceship.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Approximating the truth” is a common idiom referring to an attempt to estimate or approximate a quantity or value.
Related Words or Phrases
- Error
- Precision
- Variance
Collocations
- “Approximator in the mathematical model”
- “Precision approximator in the engineering process”
Frequency of Use
The term “Approximator” is moderately common in technical and scientific contexts, but less common in general language usage.
Common Misspellings
- Approximater
- Apriximator