feeder
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (6)
- an animal being fattened or suitable for fattening
- someone who consumes food for nourishmentSynonyms: eater
- a branch that flows into the main streamSynonyms: tributaryconfluentaffluent
- a machine that automatically provides a supply of some material“the feeder discharged feed into a trough for the livestock”Synonyms: self-feeder
- an outdoor device that supplies food for wild birdsSynonyms: bird feederbirdfeeder
- an animal that feeds on a particular source of food“a bark feeder”“a mud feeder”
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
1.One who, or that which, gives food or supplies nourishment; steward. [1913 Webster]
A couple of friends, his chaplain and feeder.— Goldsmith.[1913 Webster]
2.One who furnishes incentives; an encourager. "The feeder of my riots." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3.One who eats or feeds; specifically, an animal to be fed or fattened. [1913 Webster]
With eager feeding, food doth choke the feeder.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
4.One who fattens cattle for slaughter. [1913 Webster]
5.A stream that flows into another body of water; a tributary; specifically (Hydraulic Engin.), a water course which supplies a canal or reservoir by gravitation or natural flow. [1913 Webster]
6.A branch railroad, stage line, air route, or the like; a side line which increases the business of the main line. [1913 Webster +PJC]
7.(Mining) (a) A small lateral lode falling into the main lode or mineral vein. --Ure. (b) A strong discharge of gas from a fissure; a blower. --Raymond. [1913 Webster]
8.(Mach.) An auxiliary part of a machine which supplies or leads along the material operated upon. [1913 Webster]
9.(Steam Engine) A device for supplying steam boilers with water as needed. [1913 Webster]