# router

Pronunciation: US say "ROW-tur" /ˈɹaʊ.tɚ/; UK say "ROO-tuh" /ˈɹuː.tə(ɹ)/

## Noun

1. A device that directs packets of data using network-layer (OSI layer 3) information, most often Internet Protocol addresses.
   - Simple: A device that sends data between computers and networks so it reaches the right place.
   - _The office router forwards traffic between several internal networks._
   - _Network engineers configured the router to give priority to video packets._
2. In carpentry, a power tool with a rapidly spinning bit, used for cutting grooves. (pronounced: US say "ROW-tur" /ˈɹaʊtɚ/; UK say "ROW-tuh" /ˈɹaʊtə(ɹ)/)
   - Simple: An electric tool that carpenters use to cut grooves and shape edges in wood.
   - _She guided the router carefully along the edge of the tabletop._
   - _A handheld router makes quick work of cutting decorative grooves._
3. A device that connects local area networks into a larger internet, passing along data addressed to networks that can deliver it; a network gateway.
   - Simple: A device that joins separate local networks so they can share data as one bigger network.
   - _The router passes datagrams between the building's separate networks._
   - _Administrators rely on the router as the gateway joining their local networks to the wider internet._
5. A worker who sends items onward or directs where they go.
   - Simple: A person whose job is to send items from one place to another.
   - _The mailroom router assigns each parcel to the correct delivery route._
   - _Each shipment passes through a router who directs it to its destination._
6. In integrated circuit and printed circuit board design, an algorithm that adds all the wires needed to connect the placed components while obeying the design rules.
   - Simple: A computer program that draws all the wires needed to connect the parts on a circuit board.
   - _The router connected thousands of components without breaking any design rules._
   - _Engineers tuned the router to reduce the total wire length on the chip._
7. A woodworking plane, similar in form to a spokeshave, designed for shaping the inner edges of circular sashes. (pronounced: US say "ROW-tur" /ˈɹaʊtɚ/; UK say "ROW-tuh" /ˈɹaʊtə(ɹ)/)
   - Simple: A hand tool that shaves wood, used to shape the inside edges of round window frames.
   - _He reached for the router to finish the inside curve of the sash._
   - _Drawn toward him with both hands, the old router shaped the rounded frame more cleanly than a chisel could._
8. A woodworking plane for leveling the floor of a recess, fitted with a hooked cutter that reaches far beneath its sole. (pronounced: US say "ROW-tur" /ˈɹaʊtɚ/; UK say "ROW-tuh" /ˈɹaʊtə(ɹ)/)
   - Simple: A plane with a hooked blade that sticks out below its base, used to smooth the bottom of a hollow.
   - _The joiner cleaned out the recess with a router until the floor was even._
   - _A router levels the bottom of a mortise better than any chisel can._

## Verb

Pronunciation: US say "ROW-tur" /ˈɹaʊtɚ/; UK say "ROW-tuh" /ˈɹaʊtə(ɹ)/

4. To hollow out or cut a groove in a material using a router power tool.
   - Simple: To cut or hollow out wood using a spinning power tool.
   - _The craftsman routed a decorative pattern into the tabletop._
   - _They router each board carefully to avoid splintering the wood._

## Origin

**Meanings 1, 3, 5–6** — Formed from "route" combined with the suffix "-er".
**Meanings 2, 4, 7–8** — Formed from "rout" combined with the suffix "-er".

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/router (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).