WHAT IS A GENERATOR ?

Generator \Gen"er*a`tor\, n. (Elec.) Any machine that transforms mechanical into electrical energy; a dynamo.

Generator \Gen"er*a`tor\, n. [L.] 1. One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.

2. An apparatus in which vapor or gas is formed from a liquid or solid by means of heat or chemical process, as a steam boiler, gas retort, or vessel for generating carbonic acid gas, etc.

3. (Mus.) The principal sound or sounds by which others are produced; the fundamental note or root of the common chord; -- called also generating tone.

generator n 1: an apparatus that produces a vapor or gas 2: converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction 3: someone who originates or causes or initiates something; "he was the generator of several complaints" [syn: source, author] 4: an electronic device for producing a signal voltage