Zapper Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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zapper
[ˈzæpər ]
Definitions
electronic devices
A zapper is a handheld electronic device used to kill insects by emitting an electric shock.
Synonyms
bug zapper, insect killer.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| zapper |
This is a repeat of the first term. It also can refer to a general electric device that deactivates or kills, or be used in broader scenarios. The context in which it is used determines its specific meaning.
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| insect killer |
This term explicitly describes a product or substance designed to kill insects. It can refer to various forms, including sprays, electric devices, or traps. 'Insect killer' often appears on product labels and in advertisements.
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| bug zapper |
Specifically refers to a device designed to attract and kill insects, usually by using ultraviolet light and an electric grid. It is commonly used in outdoor spaces during warmer seasons.
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Examples of usage
- The zapper is effective at getting rid of mosquitoes in the house.
- She used a zapper to zap the flies in the kitchen.
TV remote control
Informal term for a remote control, especially for a TV.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| zapper |
Typically used informally or humorously to refer to a remote control device, especially in the context of quickly switching TV channels.
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| remote control |
The most formal and technically correct term for a device used to control electronic appliances from a distance. Suitable for official, instructional, or technical contexts.
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| clicker |
Commonly used in casual conversation to refer to a remote control, particularly in North American English. It suggests familiarity and ease of use.
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Examples of usage
- Pass me the zapper, I want to change the channel.
- He couldn't find the zapper to turn up the volume.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Technology
- Zapper devices can function as remote controls, allowing users to easily switch channels on televisions without moving.
- In pest control, bug zappers use ultraviolet light to attract insects and an electric grid to eliminate them, demonstrating the term's adaptable meaning.
- Gamers also use zapper-like accessories to enhance gameplay, showcasing their connection to interactive technologies.
Pop Culture
- In the 1980s, a popular gaming accessory called the 'Zapper' was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System, allowing players to shoot at the screen.
- Various superhero and sci-fi shows feature zappers as powerful weapons or gadgets that can eliminate threats instantly.
Science
- The concept of zapping is often used in physics to describe the process of rapidly energizing particles or molecules to study their properties.
- Research in neuroscience explores how certain zapping techniques, like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), can influence brain activity.
Literature
- Zappers are often symbolically used in literary works to represent quick change or transformation, illustrating the impact of technology on society.
- In children's literature, zappers embody the excitement of magical tools that allow characters to overcome challenges swiftly.
Origin of 'zapper'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the term 'zap,' which means to strike or hit suddenly, often used in sound effects.
- Initially associated with electronic devices, the term has evolved in modern usage to include any gadget that delivers a quick effect, like a remote control.
The word 'zapper' originated in the late 20th century as a slang term for an electronic device that emits a sudden burst of energy or power. It is derived from the verb 'zap,' meaning to strike or kill with a sudden blow. The term became popular in the context of insect-killing devices that use electric shocks to eliminate pests. Over time, 'zapper' also came to be used informally for TV remote controls, reflecting the idea of swiftly changing channels or settings with a quick action.