simulator

A simulator is a program or machine that simulates a real-life situation, meaning that it creates a virtual version of it, often for the purpose of instruction or experiment, such as a flight simulator.

Simulators are frequently used to train people in complicated and often dangerous tasks, such as performing surgery or flying an airplane. Simulators allow them to learn and gain experience in such tasks without the risks. Rarely, the word is also sometimes used to refer to a person who is simulating (faking) an action.

Example: This flight simulator allows pilots to become comfortable with the controls without having to do so during an actual flight.

Simulator was first recorded in the 1800s. It comes from the Latin word simulātor, meaning “imitator” or “counterfeiter.” It is the noun form of the verb simulate, which is derived from the Latin similis, which means “like” and is also the basis for the word similar.

Simulators are primarily used for education and training. Astronauts use simulators to experience what it will be like to operate under different gravitational conditions. Environmental simulators allow scientists to view the effects of certain elements on an ecosystem without actually introducing them in real life. Surgeons can practice certain types of surgery using simulators. Flight simulators allow pilots or people training to become pilots to test the controls of an aircraft without actually flying. But they can also be used just for fun. These often take the form of a video game, with a simple setup involving just a controller and a screen. However, some flight simulators involve a lifelike cockpit that actually moves along with the controls.

A simulator involves a simulation, but the two terms are different. Simulation is a more general term that refers to the reenactment or imitation of something. For example, a hospital may run a simulation of a disease outbreak in order to prepare for such an event. This kind of simulation involves actual people playing roles, unlike the virtual simulation created by a simulator.

What are some other forms related to simulator?

• simulators (plural)
• simulate (verb)
• simulation (noun)

What are some synonyms for simulator?

• actor
• faker
• pretender

What are some words that share a root or word element with simulator? 

• similar
• simulacrum
• simultaneous 

What are some words that often get used in discussing simulator?

• virtual
• training
• test
• environment
• flight
• fake
• pseudo

Simulators are mostly used for education and experimentation, but they can also be used for fun.

Our newest program is really starting to take off. Our aviation students recently took their first flight on our flight simulator. We’re so excited to watch our students fly off into the future! #GCI pic.twitter.com/B3DmayhgUb

— Genesee Career Institute (@GCILearns) March 6, 2020

Not bad for an hours work! 😌 Our fantastic laparoscopic surgery simulator has finally arrived! Thank you @Inovus for this great bit of kit, it will truly enhance our ability to teach both technical and non-technical skills to our undergrad and CPD students! #obuodp pic.twitter.com/z8yn6XhYlG

— Oxford Brookes ODP (@OBU_ODP) January 30, 2018

Going max hardcore on design/production Starship here in Boca. It’s awesome! Feels a bit like a Mars simulator.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 4, 2020

Which of the following things can be simulated with a simulator?

A. surgery
B. flight
C. space travel
D. all of the above