noun

translator

tranz-LAY-ter/trænzˈleɪtər/

An agent that converts information between languages.

The translator sits at a desk and translates a manuscript.

A professional translator sits at a small desk and works between two upright manuscript sheets.

Etymology

transLatinacross

+latLatinto carry

+orLatinone who acts

A translator is literally a carrier across: someone who carries meaning between languages. The selected sense also applies that role to a tool performing the same task.

In context

City of Santa Rosa, California330:27

demand that the first Planning Commission be um have a a translator and be provided in Spanish

City of Santa Rosa Council Meeting December 7, 2021

More examples

This pocket translator converts spoken English into Spanish.
The programmers use a translator to convert code between languages.
A signal translator converts the sensor's output into a compatible format.

Forms

translator · translators

translate verb — To express information in another language.

translation noun — Information rendered in another language or form.

Similar words

interpreter: Usually translates spoken or signed language rather than written text.
converter: Changes formats or signals, not necessarily between human languages.