noun
initiator
Initiator (noun) means a person who starts something or sets it going.
noun
1
A person who starts something or sets it going.
2
(chemistry) A substance that starts a chain reaction or the joining together of molecules.
3
The part of a nuclear weapon that releases a burst of neutrons to set off the chain reaction.
"‘This, er, initiator of polonium and lithium, would it be used in an anti-personnel bomb?’ he asked. ‘Oh yes, you could say so, boyo,’ replied the Welshman. ‘An initiator, you see, is what sets off a nuke.’"
— Frederick Forsyth, The Fourth Protocol (1984)
4
(computing) A task on a large central computer that starts several other jobs running.
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Etymology
Borrowed from Latin initiātor. On the surface it can be analysed as initiate + or.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for initiator
See all rhymes for initiator →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of initiator?
"initiator" (noun) means a person who starts something or sets it going.
What is another word for initiator?
Other words for "initiator" include instigator.
What are the different meanings of initiator?
"initiator" has 3 main meanings: 1. A person who starts something or sets it going; 2. (chemistry) A substance that starts a chain reaction or the joining together of molecules; 3. The part of a nuclear weapon that releases a burst of neutrons to set off the chain reaction.
