English Reference
noun

regulator

n.
US /ˈɹɛɡjəˌɫeɪtɝ/ UK /ɹˈɛɡjuːlˌeɪtɐ/ reg·u·la·tor UK spelling regulator's, regulator's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    an official organization that makes sure companies or industries follow the law and treat people fairly.

    an official body or agency responsible for exercising autonomous authority over some area of human activity in a regulatory or supervisory capacity.

    Simple

    The banking regulator is investigating why the fees were so high.

    In context

    The telecommunications regulator issued a substantial fine after the company failed to meet the minimum service standards outlined in their license.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a piece of equipment that controls the speed, pressure, or temperature of a machine.

    a mechanical or electronic device used to maintain a constant level of speed, pressure, voltage, or other physical quantities.

    Simple

    The diver checked her oxygen regulator before jumping into the water.

    In context

    A faulty pressure regulator caused the boiler to overheat, triggering an automatic emergency shutdown of the entire heating system.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a gene that controls how other genes work in your body.

    a gene involved in controlling the expression of one or more other genes by producing a protein that interacts with DNA.

    Simple

    Scientists found a regulator gene that helps the body fight off certain diseases.

    In context

    The study identified a master regulator that coordinates the expression of several enzymes involved in cellular metabolism.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Math

    a special number used in advanced math to describe how certain groups of numbers are spaced.

    a positive real number that determines the density of the units in Dirichlet's unit theorem within algebraic number theory.

    Simple

    The professor calculated the regulator of the number field during the lecture.

    In context

    Determining the regulator of a high-degree number field remains a computationally intensive task in modern algebraic research.

The NTA, which acts as the regulator for the taxi industry, said no further action was deemed necessary or possible in relation to approximately six out of every 10 complaints following an initial investigation.

BreakingNews.ie· 14 Aug 2026

Federal regulators are reviewing 'mention markets' that allow wagers on what public figures will say.

NPR· 14 Aug 2026

From regulate + -or.

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

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated