noun

insulator

IN-suh-lay-tər

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Insulator (noun) means a material or device that stops heat, sound or electricity from passing through it. Example: “Rubber is a common insulator used to coat electrical wires.”

noun

A material or device that stops heat, sound or electricity from passing through it.

"Rubber is a common insulator used to coat electrical wires."

"The loft was fitted with an insulator to keep the house warm."

"Glass makes a good insulator for overhead power lines."

A person whose job is fitting insulation.

"The insulator spent the day lining the roof with foam boards."

"They hired an insulator to fit cavity wall insulation."

"An experienced insulator checked the pipework before covering it."

How to use insulator

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn insulator is something that blocks heat, sound or electricity from getting through.

When to use it

Insulator is used in everyday contexts as well as in technical writing about electricity and building materials.

Memory tip

Remember that an insulator blocks, while its opposite, a conductor, lets things like electricity pass through.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

electrical insulator thermal insulator acoustic insulator good insulator

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “insulator” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Rubber is a common _____ used to coat electrical wires.

Etymology

Insulator is built from the verb insulate with the ending -or, which turns a verb into a word for the person or thing that does the action.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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insulant dielectric nonconductor

Antonyms

conductor

Related words

director leader driver operator conductor insulation bandleader

Rhymes for insulator

gator orator locator aviator senator equator Creator curator rotator operator agitator elevator

See all rhymes for insulator →

Frequently asked questions

What is an insulator?

An insulator is a material or device that prevents heat, sound or electricity from passing through it.

What are common examples of insulators?

Rubber, glass and foam are commonly used as insulators, for example in wiring, power lines and loft insulation.

What is the opposite of an insulator?

A conductor is the opposite, since it allows heat or electricity to pass through easily.

What is the meaning of insulator?

"insulator" (noun) means a material or device that stops heat, sound or electricity from passing through it.

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director leader driver operator conductor insulation bandleader