interpreter
n. countablen. a person who translates spoken words from one language into another in real time. You use this word for someone who helps two people talk when they do not share a language.
n. a person who orally translates speech from a source language into a target language during a conversation or event. Distinct from a translator, who works with written text.
The interpreter helped the doctor and patient talk.
A professional interpreter stood between the diplomats to ensure every nuance of the treaty was understood.
In high-stakes international negotiations, the interpreter must convey not just the literal meaning but also the diplomatic tone and subtle intent of each speaker.
From Middle English interpreter, interpretour, etc., from Old French interpreteur, interpreteeur, etc., from Late Latin interpretātōr, from classical Latin interpretātus (“explained, translated”) + -or (“-er: forming agent nouns”), from interpretārī (“to explain, to translate”), from interpres (“go-between, translator”) + -ārī (“to be ~ed”), q.v. In reference to divine emissaries, a calque of Mercury's Latin epithet interpres divum (“go-between of the gods”). In reference to the rhetorical device, a calque of Latin interpretatio. Equivalent to interpret + -er. Displaced native Old English wealhstod.