1. an electronic device or circuit that compares two input signals and produces an output indicating which is larger
Usage: electronics; technical
2. a person or thing that makes comparisons
3. an instrument used to compare measurements or standards
Usage: technical

Examples

• The voltage comparator switches its output when the input exceeds the reference level.
• Engineers use a digital comparator to determine which signal has priority.
• The optical comparator allows precise measurement of small parts.
• She served as the primary comparator for the research study.
• The length comparator showed that the first sample was longer.
• This electronic comparator can handle multiple input channels simultaneously.