Getter

Full definition of getter

Noun

1. One who gets.
• 1838, William Evans, ‎Thomas Evans, The Friends' Libraryrich men and the eager getters of this world
2. (computing, programming) A function used to retrieve the value of some property of an object, contrasted with the setter.
• 2002, James Steven Perry, Java Management Extensions Chapter 2, A proper getter must return the type of its attribute.
3. (sciences) A material which is included in a vacuum system or device for removing gas by sorption.
• 1979, G. L. Weissler and Robert Warner Carlson, Vacuum Physics and Technology Chapter 5, Titanium has become the preferred getter for general vacuum-pumping applications because of its relatively high vapor pressure characteristic and its broad spectrum chemical reactivity.

Derived terms

• go-getter
• vote getter

Synonyms

• (computing) accessor

Verb

1. (sciences) To remove gas by sorption.
• 2003, John F. O'Hanlon, A Users Guide to Vacuum Technology Chapter 14, Many reactive metals rapidly pump large quantities of active gases because they getter (react with) the gases.

Synonyms

• get