Aggregator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📊
Add to dictionary

aggregator

[ˌæɡrɪˈɡeɪtər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

data collection

An aggregator is a person or a system that gathers and compiles information from various sources to provide a consolidated view. This term is often used in the context of online content, where aggregators pull together articles or feeds from multiple websites for easier access and analysis.

Synonyms

collector, compiler, summarizer.

Examples of usage

  • The news aggregator provided a summary of articles from different publications.
  • We use an aggregator to collect all our social media feeds in one place.
  • An aggregator can help businesses stay updated with market trends.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In digital terms, aggregators often compile news articles, blog posts, or videos from various websites into a single feed for easy access.
  • Social media platforms can act as aggregators, collecting updates and news from all followers in one stream.
  • RSS feeds are a classic example of content aggregators that allow users to subscribe to multiple sources and receive updates in one place.

Business

  • As businesses diversify, many use service aggregators to combine offerings from multiple providers, such as travel booking sites that integrate flights, hotels, and car rentals.
  • Market aggregators help consumers find competitive pricing by consolidating product listings from various sellers.

Education

  • Aggregator websites often help students gather research materials from various academic databases and libraries into one searchable platform.
  • Teachers may use content aggregators to compile resources and lesson plans from different educational sites to enhance classroom learning.

Media

  • Content aggregators in the media world pull together articles and videos from multiple outlets, making it easier for consumers to stay informed.
  • Many podcast platforms act as aggregators, compiling episodes from various producers, allowing listeners to discover new content effortlessly.

Origin of 'aggregator'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'aggregare,' which means 'to gather together.'
  • It combines 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'grex' meaning 'flock' or 'herd,' highlighting the idea of bringing things together.

The term 'aggregator' derives from the word 'aggregate,' which comes from the Latin 'aggregare,' meaning 'to add to' or 'to group together.' The prefix 'ag-' means 'to' while 'gregare' relates to 'flock' or 'herd.' The use of 'aggregator' in context with data and content became prominent with the rise of the internet, particularly in the early 2000s when websites and services began to aggregate news, blog posts, and social media content. The goal was to streamline access to information and present users with curated content based on their interests. As technology evolved, aggregators have also started to play a significant role in fields such as e-commerce, where they compile products from various sites for price comparisons.