feeder Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun an animal being fattened or suitable for fattening
noun someone who consumes food for nourishment
eater.
noun a branch that flows into the main stream
affluent; tributary; confluent.
noun a machine that automatically provides a supply of some material
self-feeder.
- the feeder discharged feed into a trough for the livestock
noun an outdoor device that supplies food for wild birds
birdfeeder; bird feeder.
noun an animal that feeds on a particular source of food
- a bark feeder
- a mud feeder

One who, or that which, gives food or supplies nourishment; steward.
A couple of friends, his chaplain and feeder. Goldsmith.
One who furnishes incentives; an encourager. "The feeder of my riots." Shak.
One who eats or feeds; specifically, an animal to be fed or fattened.
With eager feeding, food doth choke the feeder. Shak.
One who fattens cattle for slaughter.
A stream that flows into another body of water; a tributary; specifically (Hydraulic Engin.), a water course which supplies a canal or reservoir by gravitation or natural flow.
A branch railroad, stage line, or the like; a side line which increases the business of the main line.
(Mining) (a) A small lateral lode falling into the main lode or mineral vein. Ure. (b) A strong discharge of gas from a fissure; a blower. Raymond.
(Mach.) An auxiliary part of a machine which supplies or leads along the material operated upon.
(Steam Engine) A device for supplying steam boilers with water as needed.