isolator

transitive verb isolated, isolating

1. to set apart from others; place alone
2. Chem. to separate (an element or compound) in pure form from substances with which it is combined or mixed
3. Med. to place (a patient) apart from others to prevent the spread of infection
4. Microbiol. to grow a pure culture of (a microbe), usually as individual colonies on a solid medium

Origin: back-form. < isolated < It isolato, pp. of isolare, to isolate < isola < L insula, island: see isle

adjective

noun

1. a person or group that is set apart
2. Psychol., Sociology a person who is separated from normal social activity, as through choice, rejection, psychological problems, etc.