Collator: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.