insulator

[ in-suh-ley-ter, ins-yuh- ]
/ ˈɪn səˌleɪ tər, ˈɪns yə- /

noun

Electricity.
  1. a material of such low conductivity that the flow of current through it is negligible.
  2. insulating material, often glass or porcelain, in a unit form designed so as to support a charged conductor and electrically isolate it.
a person or thing that insulates.

Origin of insulator

First recorded in 1795–1805; insulate + -or2

OTHER WORDS FROM insulator

non·in·su·la·tor, noun

Example sentences from the Web for insulator

British Dictionary definitions for insulator

insulator
/ (ˈɪnsjʊˌleɪtə) /

noun

any material or device that insulates, esp a material with a very low electrical conductivity or thermal conductivity or something made of such a material

Scientific definitions for insulator

insulator
[ ĭnsə-lā′tər ]

A material or an object that does not easily allow heat, electricity, light, or sound to pass through it. Air, cloth and rubber are good electrical insulators; feathers and wool make good thermal insulators. Compare conductor.

Cultural definitions for insulator

insulator

A material that does not easily transmit energy, such as electric current (see also current) or heat. Materials such as wood, plastic, and ceramics are insulators. Fiberglass is an example of a heat insulator. (Compare conductor.)