regulator Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun any of various controls or devices for regulating or controlling fluid flow, pressure, temperature, etc.
noun an official responsible for control and supervision of a particular activity or area of public interest
noun a control that maintains a steady speed in a machine (as by controlling the supply of fuel)
governor.

One who, or that which, regulates.
(Mach.) A contrivance for regulating and controlling motion, as: (a) The lever or index in a watch, which controls the effective length of the hairspring, and thus regulates the vibrations of the balance. (b) The governor of a steam engine. (c) A valve for controlling the admission of steam to the steam chest, in a locomotive.
A clock, or other timepiece, used as a standard of correct time. See Astronomical clock (a), under Clock.
A member of a volunteer committee which, in default of the lawful authority, undertakes to preserve order and prevent crimes; also, sometimes, one of a band organized for the comission of violent crimes. U.S.
A few stood neutral, or declared in favor of the Regulators. Bancroft.