circulator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “circulator” mean?
A person or thing that circulates something, or a device that moves fluid, air, or heat around a closed system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that circulates something, or a device that moves fluid, air, or heat around a closed system.
In various contexts: 1) A device for circulating air or fluid (like a fan or pump); 2) An appliance that recirculates hot water; 3) A person who spreads news, ideas, or gossip.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be encountered in US technical manuals for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) systems.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, predominantly in technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “circulator” in a Sentence
[the] circulator [of + noun phrase][adjective] circulator [for + noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “circulator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'circulator' is not a verb.
American English
- N/A - 'circulator' is not a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'circulator' is not an adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'circulator' is not an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'circulator' is not an adjective.
American English
- N/A - 'circulator' is not an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in technical sales (e.g., 'We supply industrial circulators for chemical plants').
Academic
Found in engineering, physics, and HVAC texts describing systems for moving fluids or gases.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech. Might be used when discussing home heating systems (e.g., 'The hot water circulator is noisy').
Technical
Primary domain. Refers to a specific mechanical component in hydraulic, heating, or cooling systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “circulator”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “circulator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “circulator”
- Confusing 'circulator' with 'circulation' (the process vs. the agent).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He circulators the memo' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word primarily used in technical domains like engineering, HVAC, and plumbing.
Yes, but this usage is rare and formal, meaning someone who spreads information or items (e.g., a gossip, a pamphleteer).
In technical contexts, a circulator is a specific type of pump designed to move fluid continuously in a closed-loop system (like central heating), often optimised for constant pressure and low head.
The stress is on the first syllable: SIR-kyuh-lay-ter (UK) or SIR-kyuh-lay-der (US, with a flapped 't').
A person or thing that circulates something, or a device that moves fluid, air, or heat around a closed system.
Circulator is usually technical/formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A gossip is a social circulator.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CIRCULATOR making a CIRCLE, moving air or water around and around.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS CIRCULATION; a device/person that enables this movement is an AGENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'circulator' most likely to be used?