recorder

/rəˈkɔrdər/

/rəˈkɔdə/

Other forms: recorders

A recorder is a machine that reproduces (or records) sound. A reporter might use a recorder during an interview. A recorder is also often a first musical instrument for kids, who crank out “Hot Cross Buns” at top volume.

A digital recorder and the recorder on your cell phone are both examples of electronic recorders. A person whose job involves taking notes or keeping written records during a meeting can also be called a recorder. A now-obsolete meaning of the verb record is "practice a tune," and from this came the 15th century name of the musical instrument called a recorder. These wind instruments are still around, not just in elementary schools.

Definitions of recorder

1. noun

   equipment for making records
   synonyms: recording equipment, recording machine

   types:

   black box

   equipment that records information about the performance of an aircraft during flight

   cassette recorder

   a recorder for recording or playing cassettes

   CD burner, compact-disk burner

   recording equipment for making compact disks

   magnetic recorder

   recorder consisting of equipment for making records on magnetic media

   multichannel recorder

   a recorder with two or more channels; makes continuous records of two or more signals simultaneously

   oscillograph

   a device for making a record of the wave forms of fluctuating voltages or currents

   tape machine, tape recorder

   a magnetic recorder using magnetic tape

   wire recorder

   an early type of magnetic recorder using iron wire

   type of:

   equipment

   an instrumentality needed for an undertaking or to perform a service
2. noun

   someone responsible for keeping records
   synonyms: record-keeper, registrar

   types:

   rapporteur

   a recorder appointed by a committee to prepare reports of the meetings

   type of:

   functionary, official

   a worker who holds or is invested with an office
3. noun

   a tubular wind instrument with 8 finger holes and a fipple mouthpiece
   synonyms: fipple flute, fipple pipe, vertical flute

   types:

   flageolet, shepherd's pipe, treble recorder

   a small fipple flute with four finger holes and two thumb holes

   pennywhistle, tin whistle, whistle

   an inexpensive fipple flute

   tabor pipe

   a small fipple flute that is played with the left hand while the right hand is free to beat a tabor

   type of:

   pipe

   a tubular wind instrument
4. noun

   a barrister or solicitor who serves as part-time judge in towns or boroughs
   type of:

   judge, jurist, justice

   a public official authorized to decide questions brought before a court of justice