Interpreter

Origin

From Middle English, from Latin interpretor ("to explain, expound, understand"), from interpres ("agent, translator").

Displaced native Old English wealhstod.

Full definition of interpreter

Noun

1. One who listens to a speaker in one language and relates that utterance to the audience in a different language. Contrasted with translator.A Japanese man who is tried before a German court is assisted by an interpreter in making oral statements.
2. (figuratively) One who explains something, such as an art exhibit.
3. (computing) A program which executes another program written in a programming language other than machine code.Programs written in the BASIC language are usually run through an interpreter, though some can be compiled.

Derived terms

• terp
• parts interpreter

Related terms

• interpret
• interpretation
• interpretive

Coordinate terms

• (in computing): compiler

Anagrams

• reinterpret