pulsator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “pulsator” mean?
A device, part, or system that produces a regular, repeated pulse, beat, or vibration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device, part, or system that produces a regular, repeated pulse, beat, or vibration.
Any agent or mechanism that causes a rhythmic throbbing or periodic operation; in astronomy, can refer to a pulsating star.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between BrE and AmE. The term is purely technical and used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, technical.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “pulsator” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] functions as a pulsator.Install the pulsator on/onto [NOUN].The [SYSTEM] is driven by a pulsator.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pulsator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The control unit pulsates the diaphragm.
- The mechanism is designed to pulsate at 60 cycles per minute.
American English
- The system pulsates the air supply.
- It pulsates the vacuum to mimic a natural suckling rhythm.
adverb
British English
- The diaphragm moved pulsatorily.
- The signal was generated pulsatorily rather than continuously.
American English
- The device operates pulsatorily, not steadily.
- It feeds the material pulsatorily into the chamber.
adjective
British English
- The pulsator valve is faulty.
- We observed a pulsator effect in the fluid dynamics.
American English
- The pulsator unit needs replacement.
- Check the pulsator mechanism for wear.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; specific to manufacturing or agricultural equipment sales.
Academic
Used in engineering, physics, and agricultural science papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary domain; used in manuals, specifications, and technical descriptions for machinery.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pulsator”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pulsator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pulsator”
- Using 'pulsator' to mean a person with a strong pulse.
- Confusing it with 'pulsar' (a type of star).
- Misspelling as 'pulsater'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly technical term (C2 level) specific to certain fields like engineering and agriculture.
No, it is an inanimate device. It is not used to describe a person, even one with a strong pulse.
The component in a mechanical milking machine that creates the alternating vacuum and massage is the most frequent referent.
They are similar. An 'oscillator' is a broader term for anything that oscillates, often electronically. A 'pulsator' often implies a heavier, mechanical pulsing action, typically involving fluids or air (e.g., in milking or pneumatic systems).
A device, part, or system that produces a regular, repeated pulse, beat, or vibration.
Pulsator is usually technical / scientific in register.
Pulsator: in British English it is pronounced /pʌlˈseɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpʌlˌseɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PULSe generaTOR – it creates pulses.
Conceptual Metaphor
MACHINE AS HEART (The pulsator is the 'heartbeat' of the machine).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these fields is the term 'pulsator' most commonly used?