router
UK: ˈruːtə | US: ˈraʊtər
n. a device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
n. a tool used to hollow out or shape wood or other materials.
vt. to send or direct data along a particular path in a network.
The word "router" combines "route" (from Old French rute, meaning "path" or "road," ultimately from Latin rupta, "broken path") with the agentive suffix "-er," indicating a device or tool that performs an action. In computing, it refers to a device that directs data along network paths, while in woodworking, it denotes a tool that carves paths or grooves. The dual meanings reflect the word's functional logic—guiding or shaping a path, whether digital or physical.
The router efficiently directs internet traffic between devices.
He used a router to create intricate designs on the wooden table.
Ensure the router is properly configured for optimal network performance.
The carpenter adjusted the router’s depth for a smoother finish.
Modern routers often include built-in firewalls for security.