feeder
Pronunciation: [ˈfiːdər]
Context: “animals”
(noun) a feeder is something that gives food to animals, like a bird feeder where birds can eat seeds. It's important for animals to get food from feeders, especially when it's hard for them to find food in nature.
Example
I filled the bird feeder with seeds, and now the birds come to eat every day.
Example
The feeder was empty, so the birds did not come to visit our yard.
Example
Do you think the squirrels will try to get into the bird feeder?
Context: “devices”
(noun) a feeder can also mean a machine that supplies materials or food to another machine. For example, in a factory, a feeder helps keep the machines running by giving them the things they need to work.
Example
The paper feeder made sure that the printer never ran out of paper.
Example
Without the feeder working properly, the factory had to stop production.
Example
How often should we check the feeder for the printing machine?
Context: “relationships”
(noun) in some contexts, a feeder can refer to a person who provides support or help to someone else, like a family member who helps take care of a young child or someone who gives assistance.
Example
As a feeder in our community, she helps many families by providing food and resources.
Example
He is not a feeder for his friends; he usually expects them to help him instead.
Example
What qualities make someone a good feeder in a community?