Reading Theme:
Dispenser Definition, Uses, and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：vending machine (dispenser)
dispenser
/dɪˈspɛnsər/
n.
A machine that gives you something automatically after you pay or press a button.
vending machine
➕
/ˈvɛndɪŋ məˈʃiːn/
n.
A machine that automatically provides items such as drinks, snacks, or tickets upon payment or button press.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'dispensare' (to distribute), from dis- (apart) + pensare (to weigh).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'dis-penser' as 'dis-pense-er': a device that 'penses' (weighs out) stuff for you.
📖 Example
While waiting for the train, I bought a bottle of water from the dispenser on the platform.
While waiting for the train, I bought a bottle of water from the dispenser on the platform.
🔗 Collocations
snack dispenser – A machine that dispenses snacks
water dispenser – A machine that provides drinking water
ticket dispenser – An automated machine that issues tickets
🔄 Synonyms
vending machine (n.) – A machine that sells items automatically
automated teller (n.) – A machine that dispenses cash (ATM)
kiosk (n.) – A small stand or machine providing goods or services
🌱 Derivatives
dispense (v.) – To distribute or provide
dispensary (n.) – A place where medicines are prepared and given out
📖 Cultural Story
From Old French 'dispenser' (to distribute) in the 14th century. Modern use for vending machines emerged in the 20th century.
Meaning 2：distributor (dispenser)
dispenser
/dɪˈspɛnsər/
n.
A person or organization whose job is to give out things like medicine or advice.
distributor
➕
/dɪˈstrɪbjʊtər/
n.
A person or organization that gives out or supplies something, such as medicine, advice, or justice.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The friendly pharmacist acted as a reliable dispenser of both medicine and health advice.
The friendly pharmacist acted as a reliable dispenser of both medicine and health advice.
🔗 Collocations
dispenser of justice – A person or body that administers justice, like a judge
dispenser of knowledge – An educator or source of information
medicine dispenser – A person who provides medications, such as a pharmacist
🔄 Synonyms
distributor (n.) – One who supplies goods to retailers or consumers
provider (n.) – A person or entity that supplies something needed
administrator (n.) – A person responsible for managing and distributing resources
🚫 Antonyms
recipient (n.) – A person who receives something
accumulator (n.) – One who collects or stores rather than distributes
🌱 Derivatives
dispense (v.) – To distribute or provide
dispensary (n.) – A place where medicines are prepared and given out
dispersal (n.) – The action of distributing or spreading things
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