Repeater: meaning, definitions and examples

A 'repeater' is usually used in telecommunications to extend the range of a signal by receiving and retransmitting it. This term is commonly found in discussions about networking and radio communications.

• The company installed a repeater to extend the Wi-Fi signal throughout the building.
• Emergency services use repeaters to cover larger areas with their radio communications.

An 'amplifier' is used to increase the power of a signal, making it stronger without changing its content. This term is often used in the context of audio equipment and electronics.

• The guitarist used an amplifier to boost the sound of his electric guitar.
• They installed an amplifier to improve the signal strength of their home theater system.

A 'relay' typically refers to a device that receives a signal and then sends it again, often used to control circuits or transmit signals over long distances. It is commonly found in electrical engineering and telecommunications.

• The relay station helped to transmit the data across the mountain range.
• In their research, they used a relay to manage the electrical signals.

A 'transmitter' is a device that sends out signals, usually radio waves, to communicate information. The term is frequently used in broadcasting, telecommunications, and remote control systems.

• The radio station's transmitter is located on top of the hill to cover a larger area.
• The remote control car needs a new transmitter to function properly.

Commonly used in telecommunications to amplify or regenerate signals over long distances, ensuring they maintain their quality and strength.

• The new data cable includes several repeaters to maintain signal integrity.
• Television signals often require repeaters to reach rural areas.

Used more colloquially and in everyday language, particularly regarding consumer electronic devices to improve the reception of mobile phones, WiFi, or TV signals.

• I installed a signal booster in my home to get better WiFi coverage.
• Cell phone signal boosters are helpful in areas with poor reception.

Often referred to in a more technical or specialized context, especially in optic fibers, to mean devices that not only amplify but also clean the signal.

• To prevent signal degradation, a regenerator was installed in the system.
• Regenerators are crucial in long-haul fiber optic communication.

Primarily used in electronic or telecommunication contexts to describe a device that repeats a signal to extend its range. It can also be used negatively to describe someone who repeats information or actions without original contribution.

• We installed a repeater to boost the Wi-Fi signal.
• He’s such a repeater, always saying the same things over and over.

Describes the act of imitating someone’s behavior, voice, or actions. It can be used both positively and negatively, depending on the intent. Mimicry may sometimes be done for humor or admiration but can also be seen as mockery.

• He can mimic his teacher's voice perfectly.
• She mimicked her brother to tease him.

Refers to someone who imitates another's actions, behavior, or work without any originality. It's often used with a negative connotation, especially when referring to someone who duplicates ideas instead of coming up with their own.

• She called him a copycat for wearing the same outfit as hers.
• The new burger joint is just a copycat of McDonald's.