moderator
UK: /ˈmɒdəreɪtə/ | US: /ˈmɑːdəreɪtər/
n. a person who oversees discussions, debates, or online forums to ensure fairness and adherence to rules
n. a substance or device used to reduce the speed or intensity of a process (e.g., nuclear physics)
n. (historical) a presiding officer in ecclesiastical or academic assemblies
The word traces back to Latin moderator, meaning "a manager or director." It combines moder- (root of moderari, "to control") with -ator, a suffix denoting agency. The term evolved through Old French moderateur before entering English in the 14th century, initially referring to arbiters in disputes. Its modern sense of "forum overseer" emerged with digital communication.
The debate moderator ensured each candidate had equal speaking time.
Online moderators remove inappropriate comments to maintain community guidelines.
Graphite acts as a neutron moderator in nuclear reactors.
The conference moderator introduced the panelists with clarity.
In ancient Rome, a moderator might oversee public games.