ejector
C1Technical / Specific
Definition
Meaning
A device or mechanism that forces something out or removes it.
A person or thing that ejects; specifically a device that removes spent cartridges from a firearm, or a mechanism for releasing pressure or discharging contents.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a technical term. Denotes both an agent (a person who ejects someone) and, more commonly, a mechanical component. In aviation, 'ejector seat' is a highly specific and life-saving device.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. Spelling is identical. Usage contexts are largely the same, though firearm terminology might have regional brand/model variations.
Connotations
Neutral; purely functional or mechanical.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used almost exclusively in technical or specific contexts (engineering, firearms, aviation).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[The] ejector + [of + NP] (the ejector of the rifle)[NP] + equipped with + an ejector (a printer equipped with a jam ejector)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in engineering, physics, and military history papers.
Everyday
Very rare; potentially when discussing aircraft safety or, informally, a person who forcibly removes others from a venue.
Technical
The primary register. Key term in mechanical engineering, firearms design, and aviation safety systems.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [Not applicable. 'Ejector' is a noun. The verb is 'eject'.]
American English
- [Not applicable. 'Ejector' is a noun. The verb is 'eject'.]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable.]
American English
- [Not applicable.]
adjective
British English
- [Not applicable as a standalone adjective. Used in compound nouns like 'ejector-seat'.]
American English
- [Not applicable as a standalone adjective. Used in compound nouns like 'ejector seat'.]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is the button for the CD ejector.
- The pilot has an ejector seat.
- The rifle's ejector throws the empty shell out after firing.
- The old printer has a manual paper ejector.
- A malfunction in the cartridge ejector caused the firearm to jam repeatedly.
- The engineer designed a new steam ejector to improve the vacuum system's efficiency.
- The aircraft's Martin-Baker ejector seat is credited with saving over 7,500 lives to date.
- The patent describes a novel waste ejector mechanism for high-pressure industrial processes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an EJECTor SEAT: it EJECTS the pilot. The '-or' ending signals it's a thing that *does* the ejecting.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FORCIBLE REMOVER IS AN EJECTOR (treating the device as an active agent).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'инжектор' (injector), which is the opposite function. The correct direct translation is typically 'выталкиватель', 'эжектор', or 'катапультирующее устройство'.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing it as 'ee-jek-tor' with a hard J (/dʒ/ is correct).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'thrower' or 'pusher' outside technical contexts.
- Confusing 'ejector' (the device) with 'ejection' (the process).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'ejector' MOST commonly and specifically used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, technical term. Most people encounter it in specific contexts like discussions about firearms, engineering, or aviation safety (ejector seats).
They are two parts of the cartridge-removal sequence. The extractor first hooks and pulls the spent cartridge from the firing chamber. Then, the ejector strikes it, pivoting it out of the firearm's ejection port.
Yes, but this is rare and formal. It would mean 'one who ejects', such as a bailiff or a bouncer, but in modern English, 'ejector' is almost exclusively a mechanical term.
The related verb is 'to eject'. 'Ejector' is the noun form denoting the device or person that performs the action of ejecting.