resonator: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “resonator” mean?
A device or system that enhances or sustains sound, vibration, or oscillation by resonance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device or system that enhances or sustains sound, vibration, or oscillation by resonance.
Any object or cavity that resonates, amplifies, or filters specific frequencies of energy, or a person or thing that amplifies an idea or feeling.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation may differ slightly.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English due to prominence of automotive and musical subcultures (e.g., resonator guitars).
Grammar
How to Use “resonator” in a Sentence
[det] + resonator + of + [noun] (the resonator of the instrument)[det] + resonator + for + [noun] (a resonator for radio waves)[adj] + resonator + [prep] + [noun] (an acoustic resonator in the guitar)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “resonator” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A (not standard). The verb is 'to resonate'.
American English
- N/A (not standard). The verb is 'to resonate'.
adverb
British English
- N/A. The related adverb is 'resonantly'.
American English
- N/A. The related adverb is 'resonantly'.
adjective
British English
- N/A. The related adjective is 'resonant' or 'resonating'.
American English
- N/A. The related adjective is 'resonant' or 'resonating'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; possibly in marketing for audio equipment or in R&D contexts.
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, acoustics, and musicology papers.
Everyday
Uncommon; mostly used by musicians or hobbyists (e.g., discussing resonator guitars).
Technical
Primary usage. Refers to components in musical instruments, lasers, radio circuits, and automotive exhausts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “resonator”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “resonator”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “resonator”
- Misspelling as 'resonater'.
- Using 'resonator' to mean the *effect* (resonance) rather than the *device*.
- Pronouncing as /ˌrez.əˈnɑː.tər/ (incorrect stress).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. An amplifier increases the power of a signal, while a resonator selectively enhances or sustains specific frequencies through resonance, often by storing vibrational energy.
Yes, any space that reinforces specific sound frequencies through reflection and standing waves can be described as an acoustic resonator or resonant cavity.
A guitar or violin body is a common example; it resonates to amplify the sound of the strings. Bottles can also act as simple Helmholtz resonators when you blow across the top.
A speaker actively converts electrical signals into sound waves using a motor structure. A resonator is a passive device that vibrates sympathetically (resonates) with specific frequencies applied to it, thereby amplifying or filtering them.
A device or system that enhances or sustains sound, vibration, or oscillation by resonance.
Resonator is usually technical/scientific in register.
Resonator: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrez.ə.neɪ.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrez.ə.neɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He became a resonator for the public's discontent.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a REsonator as something that REpeats and amplifies SOUND like an echO.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON/THING AS AN AMPLIFIER (e.g., 'The media acted as a resonator for the protest movement.')
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you LEAST likely encounter the term 'resonator' in its primary technical sense?