finder
UK: ˈfaɪn.dər | US: ˈfaɪn.dɚ
n. a person or thing that finds something
n. a small tool or feature used to locate or identify objects (e.g., "viewfinder" in cameras)
n. (legal) an official who determines facts in a dispute or investigation
The word "finder" originates from Old English findan (to discover) + the agentive suffix -er, which denotes a person or tool performing an action. The root find traces back to Proto-Germanic finþaną, meaning "to come upon" or "perceive." Over time, the suffix -er (from Proto-Germanic -ārijaz) solidified its role in forming nouns for agents or instruments, giving "finder" its modern sense of "one who discovers."
The archaeologist was the finder of the ancient artifact.
The camera's viewfinder helps photographers frame their shots.
The court appointed a finder to resolve the property dispute.
She became the lucky finder of the hidden treasure.
The app acts as a key finder by tracking misplaced items.