regulator

reg·u·la·tor  (rgy-ltr)

n.

1. One that regulates, as:

a. The mechanism in a watch by which its speed is governed.

b. A highly accurate clock used as a standard for timing other clocks.

c. A device used to maintain uniform speed in a machine; a governor.

d. A device used to control the flow of gases, liquids, or electric current.

2. One, such as the member of a governmental regulatory agency, that ensures compliance with laws, regulations, and established rules: banking regulators; price regulators.

3. A substance that affects the amount of product or the progress of a biochemical reaction or process: a regulator of embryogenesis.

4. See regulator gene.

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regulator

Noun

1. a mechanism that automatically controls pressure, temperature, etc.

2. the mechanism by which the speed of a clock is regulated

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	regulator - any of various controls or devices for regulating or controlling fluid flow, pressure, temperature, etc. aperture - a device that controls amount of light admitted ball cock, ballcock - floating ball that controls level in a water tank controller, control - a mechanism that controls the operation of a machine; "the speed controller on his turntable was not working properly"; "I turned the controls over to her" draft - a regulator for controlling the flow of air in a fireplace faucet, spigot - a regulator for controlling the flow of a liquid from a reservoir peg - regulator that can be turned to regulate the pitch of the strings of a stringed instrument petcock - regulator consisting of a small cock or faucet or valve for letting out air or releasing compression or draining register - a regulator (as a sliding plate) for regulating the flow of air into a furnace or other heating device escape cock, escape valve, relief valve, safety valve, escape - a valve in a container in which pressure can build up (as a steam boiler); it opens automatically when the pressure reaches a dangerous level head gate, penstock, sluice valve, sluicegate, water gate, floodgate - regulator consisting of a valve or gate that controls the rate of water flow through a sluice thermoregulator, thermostat - a regulator for automatically regulating temperature by starting or stopping the supply of heat
	2.	regulator - an official responsible for control and supervision of a particular activity or area of public interest functionary, official - a worker who holds or is invested with an office
	3.	regulator - a control that maintains a steady speed in a machine (as by controlling the supply of fuel) governor controller, control - a mechanism that controls the operation of a machine; "the speed controller on his turntable was not working properly"; "I turned the controls over to her" flywheel - regulator consisting of a heavy wheel that stores kinetic energy and smooths the operation of a reciprocating engine timer - a regulator that activates or deactivates a mechanism at set times