Isolator

i·so·late  (s-lt)

tr.v. i·so·lat·ed, i·so·lat·ing, i·so·lates

1. To set apart or cut off from others.

2. To place in quarantine.

3. Chemistry To separate (a substance) in pure form from a combined mixture.

4. To render free of external influence; insulate.

5. Microbiology To separate (a pure strain) from a mixed bacterial or fungal culture.

6. Psychology To separate (experiences or memories) from the emotions relating to them.

7. Electricity

a. To set apart (a component, circuit, or system) from a source of electricity.

b. To insulate or shield.

adj. (-lt, -lt)

Solitary; alone.

n. (-lt, -lt)

1. A person, thing, or group that has been isolated, as by geographic, ecologic, or social barriers.

2. Biology A population of bacteria or other cells that has been isolated.

3. Linguistics A language isolate.

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[Back-formation from isolated.]

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iso·lator n.

Synonyms: isolate, insulate, seclude, segregate, sequester
These verbs mean to separate from others: a mountain that isolated the village from larger towns; insulated herself from the chaos surrounding her; a celebrity who was secluded from public scrutiny; segregated the infectious patients in a special ward; sequestering a jury during its deliberations.