interpreter

noun13

1. •
   A person or thing that translates speech or signing, as opposed to texts.

   • A Japanese man who is tried before a German court is assisted by an interpreter in making oral statements.
2. •
   A person or thing that interprets the meaning of something for another.

   • ... an interpreter of dreams ...
3. •
   (figurative) A thing that, figuratively speaking, performs a similar role explaining, revealing, or clarifying.

   • Leo. ... these thy offices (So rarely kind) are as Interpreters Of my behind-hand slacknesse. — 1623
4. •
   (historical) A machine that reads the pattern of holes on a punch card and prints its meaning along the top of the card.
5. •
   (historical) An analyst of reconnaissance photographs.
6. •
   Synonym of guide, one who explains a thing, person, or group of people.

   • At the historic site, there are a number of interpreters who demonstrate ancient crafts.
7. •
   A program that converts commands into machine language in real time rather than compiling it in advance.

   • Programs written in BASIC are usually run through an interpreter rather than a compiler.
8. •
   A performer who presents a piece of art in a distinct style, particularly so as to make older works relevant to their audience.

   • ... one of the foremost interpreters of Beethoven's piano works ...
9. •
   (no longer used) Synonym of translator, one who translates various forms of texts.
10. •
    (no longer used) Synonym of commentator, one who explains laws or scripture.

    • ... the holy fathers interpretours of holy scrypture ... — 1529
11. •
    (no longer used) Synonym of dictionary or glossary, a book that explains uncommon terms.
12. •
    (no longer used) Synonym of emissary, particularly in reference to Hermes or angels as messengers between humans and the divine.
13. •
    (rhetoric, no longer used) Synonym of synonymy, the use of one term to explain another.