Collator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
collator
[kษหleษชtษr ]
Definition
data processing
A collator is a device or software tool used to arrange and organize data or information in a specific order. It is often utilized in printing and publishing to gather sheets of paper, printed materials, or data records in a desired sequence. Collators can automate the process of sorting through large volumes of documents or data, significantly enhancing efficiency and accuracy. In computer science, a collator may refer to a program or algorithm that sorts data based on defined criteria.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The collator sorted the reports by date.
- We used a collator to streamline the printing process.
- The software acts as a collator for our data entries.
- Make sure to use the collator for organizing the documents.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Technology
- In modern offices, collators are often machines that automate the sorting of printed pages into sets.
- Many printers today have a built-in collating feature, allowing users to print multiple copies of a document in order without manual sorting.
- Software applications, like document processors, can also collate digital pages for easy assembly.
Education
- In educational settings, teachers often act as collators by gathering student assignments and organizing them for review.
- Collation is an essential part of research, where scholars collect various texts and sources to analyze them in a structured manner.
- Library systems use collators to maintain order among numerous books, journals, and articles.
Literature
- In the literary world, a collator may help assemble different versions of a text, ensuring accuracy for published works.
- Notable literary works sometimes go through multiple collations to create a definitive edition, preserving the author's intent.
- Historically, collators played a crucial role in preserving ancient manuscripts, often ensuring that texts were copied accurately.
Cultural References
- In some cultures, the act of collating can symbolize bringing together community voices, reflecting unity and organization.
- Organizing events often involves collating information from various sources to create an agenda or schedule.
- In art and design, collators may refer to those who curate and arrange pieces into cohesive exhibitions.
Origin of 'collator'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'collator' comes from the Latin 'collatus,' meaning 'to bring together' or 'to collect.'
- In English, the term has been used since at least the 15th century, originally referring to the gathering of texts.
- Related words include 'collate,' which refers to the process of comparing texts to bring them together for study or organization.
The word 'collator' originates from the Latin word 'collator', which means 'bringer together'. The prefix 'col-' denotes 'together', while 'latus' means 'carried'. This term entered the English lexicon in the late 19th century, reflecting advancements in printing and data organization technologies. Initially, collators were primarily mechanical devices used in printing houses to assemble printed sheets. Over time, with the rise of digital technology, the term expanded to include software tools designed for sorting and organizing data, becoming essential in various fields including data entry, publishing, and document management. The evolution of the collator illustrates the shift from physical to digital formats in information processing.