isolator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "isolator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to electrical engineering, physics, or any situation where something is being isolated or separated from others. Example: "The technician installed an isolator to prevent electrical interference between the circuits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Yet when a child arrives he or she is placed in an "isolator"—a double-glazed glass booth containing one or two cots.

The Economist

The tool was so useful that my wife, Julia, and another volunteer built a second, bigger, badder mallet, dubbing it "the isolator".

The New York Times

It has also built a $200,000 seismic isolator — an anti-earthquake display stand — for the charioteer, which will be used in its permanent home on the island of Mozia on the western coast of Sicily.

The New York Times - Arts

Each isolator had a pair of black rubber gloves affixed to two portholes, through which the researchers could manipulate what was inside.

The Guardian

There, he lay inside a polythene "patient isolator" tent, tended by dozens of staff in a unit tailor made for "category four" infectious diseases.

The Guardian

This is the state-of-the-art polythene "patient isolator" unit at the Royal Free hospital where the nurse who has contracted Ebola will be treated.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

One of the most important rare-earth garnets is YIG (yttrium iron garnet), which is used in a variety of microwave devices including radars, attenuators, filters, circulators, isolators, phase shifters, power limiters, and switches.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It sits on some 180 rubber isolators to impede structure-borne vibrations from entering the hall.

The New York Times

Their isolators contain everything they need: drinking water, brown nuggets of chow, straw chips for bedding, and a white styrofoam hutch for mating in privacy.

The Guardian

They sterilise the cylinders by steaming them at a high temperature and pressure, before hooking them to portholes in the back of the isolators, using connecting sleeves that they also sterilise.

The Guardian

It looked like one of the isolators from the germ-free facility but its purpose was to exclude oxygen rather than microbes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical systems, clearly specify the type of "isolator" (e.g., seismic, electrical, acoustic) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "isolator" without context; specify its purpose. Incorrect: 'The isolator failed.' Correct: 'The seismic isolator failed to protect the statue during the earthquake.'

Linguistic Context

The word "isolator" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a device or component designed to prevent the transmission of something. Ludwig provides examples where it describes devices isolating electrical circuits, protecting art from earthquakes, or maintaining sterile environments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "isolator" is a common noun that refers to a device or component designed to prevent the transmission of something, be it vibrations, electricity, or even social contact. Ludwig provides various examples from reputable sources, indicating its correct and consistent usage across diverse contexts. The term is frequently encountered in news and media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, reflecting its technical and descriptive nature. While grammatically sound, it's essential to specify the type of "isolator" to avoid ambiguity, as different types serve different purposes. Ludwig AI confirms that "isolator" is correct and usable in written English, suggesting alternatives like "separator" or "insulator" depending on the specific application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insulating device

Refers specifically to the function of providing insulation, highlighting thermal or electrical resistance.

separation barrier

Emphasizes the role of creating a physical divide or boundary between two entities.

protective shield

Focuses on the aspect of safeguarding against external influences or damage.

damping element

Highlights the function of reducing vibrations or shocks.

buffer zone

Implies a neutral area or space that separates and protects distinct regions.

shock absorber

Specifically designed to mitigate sudden impacts or disturbances.

sterile environment

Focuses on creating a space free from microorganisms or contaminants.

containment unit

Emphasizes the function of confining or restricting something within a defined space.

vibration damper

Specifically designed to reduce or eliminate vibrations in a system.

acoustic barrier

Specifically used for reducing or blocking sound transmission.

FAQs

How is the word "isolator" used in technical contexts?

In technical contexts, "isolator" typically refers to a device or component designed to prevent the transmission of something, such as vibrations, electricity, or sound. Examples include seismic isolators in buildings and electrical isolators in circuits.

What are some synonyms for "isolator"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "isolator" could include "insulator", barrier, separator, damper, or shield.

How does a seismic "isolator" work?

A seismic "isolator" is designed to protect structures from earthquakes by decoupling them from the ground, allowing the ground to move beneath the structure without transmitting the full force of the earthquake.

What is the difference between an "isolator" and an insulator?

While both terms relate to prevention, an "isolator" is a broader term that can apply to various types of separation (e.g., seismic, acoustic). An "insulator" specifically refers to a material or device that prevents the flow of electricity or heat.