noun
controller
kun-TROH-ler/kənˈtrəʊlər/
A person or device directing how something operates.
The handheld controller directs the action on the connected game console.
Etymology
The “against” and “roll” pieces apparently refer to checking accounts against a duplicate register. An official who checked accounts became, more broadly, a person or device that directs or regulates.
In context
the controller took advantage of our natural movements, allowing the player to move their character through their own physical body movement.
More examples
- A temperature controller keeps the greenhouse warm overnight.
- She uses a wireless controller to play the racing game.
- The factory's controllers regulate the speed of the conveyor belts.
Forms
controller · controllers
control verb — To direct or regulate how something operates.
Similar words
- supervisor
- Usually a person overseeing workers, rather than a regulating device.
- regulator
- Emphasizes maintaining limits or standards rather than directing overall operation.