regulator
regulator — noun
1. A piece of equipment that automatically adjusts or keeps a steady level of speed
A piece of equipment that automatically adjusts or keeps a steady level of speed, temperature, pressure, or the flow of liquid or gas in a machine or system.
Sivan adjusted the regulator on the gas heater so the room would not overheat.
collocation: adjust a regulator
The clock's speed regulator was worn out, making it run several minutes fast each day.
compound: speed regulator
Before the race, Folake checked the pressure regulator on each bicycle tire pump.
A faulty temperature regulator in the lab caused the chemical samples to overheat overnight.
The flow regulator on the shower stops water pressure from getting too strong for kids.
- controller
More general; a controller can be manual or automatic, while a regulator typically implies automatic adjustment toward a set level.
- thermostat
A specific type of regulator that controls temperature only; not a general term for all regulators.
- governor
A mechanical regulator that controls engine speed; more technical and less common in everyday language.
用法筆記
Often used as part of a compound noun where the first word names what is being controlled: speed regulator, pressure regulator, temperature regulator, flow regulator.
常見錯誤
2. A person or organization whose job is to check that companies in a particular in
A person or organization whose job is to check that companies in a particular industry follow the rules and treat customers fairly.
The energy regulator fined the power company for overcharging customers last winter.
collocation: energy regulator
Japan's financial regulator announced new rules for online banking this morning.
collocation: financial regulator
Rodrigo works as a telecom regulator, checking that phone companies provide fair service.
The water regulator tests the quality of tap water in every district each month.
A regulator from the aviation authority inspected the airline's safety records after the incident.
- watchdog
More informal; a watchdog is typically an independent group that monitors for wrongdoing, not necessarily one with legal enforcement powers.
- authority
Broader term; an authority can be any official body with legal power, not limited to industry oversight.
- oversight body
More formal; emphasizes the monitoring role rather than the enforcement role.
用法筆記
Can refer either to a government agency or to an individual official within such an agency. In news reports, it most often refers to the organization itself (e.g., 'the energy regulator said...').