an apparatus that produces a vapor or gas
"The old boiler acts as a generator, producing thick steam to power the entire factory."
engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction
"The faulty generator stopped producing electricity when the wind turbine's blades began to spin too slowly during the sudden storm."
an electronic device for producing a signal voltage
"The technician connected the portable generator to test if the sensor was receiving the correct signal voltage."
One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.
"The solar generator provided enough power to keep our phones charged during the storm."
An apparatus in which vapour or gas is formed from a liquid or solid by means of heat or chemical process, as a steam boiler, gas retort etc.
"The old factory still relies on its coal-fired generator to produce the steam needed for the turbines."
In plain English: A generator is a machine that makes electricity by turning mechanical energy into electrical power.
"The car's alternator acts as a generator, converting mechanical energy into electrical power to charge the battery."
Usage: Use "generator" to refer to a device that produces electricity or a person who creates something new, such as an idea or energy. Avoid confusing it with the verb "generate," which describes the action of producing rather than the producer itself.
The word generator comes from the Latin verb genero, meaning "to beget" or "to father." It is formed by combining the root for "generate" with the suffix -or.