simulator
n. countablen. a machine or computer program that copies a real-life situation. You use it to practice something difficult or dangerous, like flying a plane, without any real risk.
n. a device or software application designed to replicate the conditions and experience of a real-world process or environment. Often used for training, research, or entertainment purposes.
The pilot practices landing in a flight simulator.
Medical students use a surgery simulator to improve their hand-eye coordination before operating on real patients.
Advanced climate models run on a powerful simulator to predict how rising sea levels might affect coastal cities over the next century.
Commonly modified by the field of application, such as 'flight simulator', 'racing simulator', or 'driving simulator'.