controller
UK: kənˈtrəʊlə | US: kənˈtroʊlər
n. a person or device that directs or regulates something
n. a financial manager, especially in a business or organization
n. a component in computing or electronics that manages data flow
The word "controller" originates from the Middle English "countrollen," derived from Anglo-French "contreroller," meaning "to check or verify by duplicate register." The root "control" combines "contra-" (against) and "roll" (a list or register), reflecting its original sense of cross-checking records. The suffix "-ler" (a variant of "-er") denotes an agent, turning the verb into a noun for someone or something that performs the action. Over time, "controller" expanded from financial oversight to broader regulatory roles in technology and management.
The air traffic controller guided the plane safely to the runway.
She was promoted to financial controller after five years in accounting.
The game controller needs new batteries.
The temperature controller maintains the lab’s climate.
As a quality controller, his job is to inspect products for defects.