English Reference
Noun

emitter

n.
C1 Advanced US /ɪˈmɪtɝ/ UK /ɪmˈɪtɐ/ emit·ter UK spelling emitters Electronics

n.a device or part that sends out a signal, light, or heat. You often see this word in electronics when talking about things like light bulbs or radio transmitters.

n.a device or component that transmits or emits a signal, radiation, or energy. Often used in the context of electronics and physics to describe the source of a specific output.


SIMPLE

The light emitter in the lamp is broken.

CONTEXTUAL

The radio station uses a powerful antenna as an emitter to broadcast its signal across the entire country.

COMPLEX

In modern display technology, the emitter is responsible for converting electrical signals into visible light, ensuring that the image remains sharp and vibrant on the screen.

It also reinforces hopes that China, which is the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitter, may be nearing a turning point in decarbonising its economy.

The Guardian· 2 Sept 2026

Instead of causing emitters to emit more light at a specific frequency, they adapt the emitter's environment so that less light is emitted at unwanted frequencies.

Phys.org· 18 Aug 2026

From emit + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated