noun

dispenser

dih-SPEN-ser/dɪˈspensər/

A person or device supplying something in portions.

The automatic dispenser releases a small portion of soap into the cupped hand.

An automatic liquid-soap dispenser delivering a small dose from its nozzle into a cupped hand.

Etymology

disLatinout

+pensLatinweigh; pay

+erLatinone who does

The underlying image is weighing out shares. A dispenser was first someone who administered or distributed goods; the name later extended to a container or machine that gives out fixed measures.

In context

TED5:03

… takes a wrapped stack of PEZ, puts it in the bottom of a dispenser, and then, it comes out fully unwrapped.

A Surprisingly Effective Way to Fight Misinformation | Dave Jorgenson | TED

More examples

Please refill the paper towel dispensers before the guests arrive.
The pharmacist is the clinic's main dispenser of medicine.
The charity serves as a dispenser of emergency food supplies.

Forms

dispenser · dispensers

dispense verb — To give out in measured amounts.

Similar words

distributor: Often supplies goods broadly rather than releasing measured portions.
supplier: Provides needed goods without necessarily dividing them into portions.