collimator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “collimator” mean?
A device for producing parallel beams of light or radiation, or for aligning an optical system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device for producing parallel beams of light or radiation, or for aligning an optical system.
Any device, such as a tube with slits or a series of lenses, used in optics, radiology, or particle physics to render divergent or convergent rays parallel, or to precisely align the components of a system. In radiology, it's a lead-lined device that restricts the size and shape of the X-ray beam to the area of interest.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows national conventions (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center' in surrounding text). Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse. Frequency is tied to technical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “collimator” in a Sentence
The [noun] uses a collimator to [verb] the beam.Align the [optical instrument] with a collimator.The [type] collimator was installed in the [system].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “collimator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- First, you must carefully collimate the telescope's optics using a Cheshire eyepiece.
- The laser diode needs to be collimated before integration into the unit.
American English
- The technician will collimate the CT scanner during the monthly quality check.
- This attachment helps collimate the light from the fiber optic cable.
adverb
British English
- [The adverbial form 'collimatingly' is non-standard and virtually never used.]
American English
- [The adverbial form 'collimatingly' is non-standard and virtually never used.]
adjective
British English
- The collimating lens was slightly misaligned, causing a blurred image.
- A precise collimating procedure is essential for accurate results.
American English
- The collimating sight provided a sharp aiming point.
- We observed the sample through the collimating eyepiece.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in physics, engineering, astronomy, and radiology research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only appear in very specific hobbies (e.g., amateur astronomy telescope setup).
Technical
The primary domain. Critical in optical engineering, particle accelerators, CT/MRI scanners, and radiotherapy planning.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “collimator”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “collimator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “collimator”
- Mispronouncing as /koʊˈlaɪmeɪtər/ (like 'collide').
- Using it as a verb (to 'collimate' is the verb).
- Confusing it with a 'collator' (a person or machine that assembles pages).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The verb is 'to collimate'. It means to make rays of light or particles parallel.
Not exactly. A collimator is a device that may contain lenses (or mirrors or slits) to achieve its function of creating a parallel beam. A lens alone can converge or diverge light, not necessarily collimate it.
In X-ray and CT imaging, lead collimators restrict the beam to only the area being examined. This improves image clarity by reducing scatter and, crucially, minimises the patient's radiation dose by not exposing unnecessary tissue.
It is highly improbable. Its use is confined to specific scientific, medical, and engineering contexts. In a general conversation, you would describe its function (e.g., 'a device that makes light rays parallel') rather than use the technical term.
A device for producing parallel beams of light or radiation, or for aligning an optical system.
Collimator is usually formal/technical in register.
Collimator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒlɪmeɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːləmeɪtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COLLIMATOR' keeps light lines 'COLLIMATED' (parallel), like a column of soldiers marching in perfect lines. 'COLLI-' sounds like 'column', '-MATOR' like 'maker'—a 'parallel-line maker'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TRAFFIC COP FOR RAYS (it directs radiation/light into orderly, parallel paths and restricts errant beams).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these fields is a collimator LEAST likely to be used?