demonstrator

Demonstrator is a term with several related meanings. It most often denotes a person who demonstrates something to others, or an object used to illustrate a principle, product, or process. The exact meaning depends on context, including education, commerce, science, and politics.

In educational settings, a demonstrator is typically a staff member or student who assists a teacher or lecturer by performing demonstrations during a class or laboratory session. Demonstrators explain procedures, operate equipment, demonstrate experimental techniques, and help supervise safety and orderly conduct. In universities, the role is common in science and engineering disciplines and may be called a teaching assistant, demonstrator, or demonstrator-in-charge, depending on local terminology.

In industry and retail, a product demonstrator or demonstration model is a person who shows how a product works to potential customers, often in stores, showrooms, or trade fairs. Demonstrations may focus on functionality, usability, and benefits, and may be supported by sample devices or interactive displays. Demonstrator devices or "demonstrators" are also used in training programs to illustrate how a system operates.

Demonstration devices, or demonstrators, are simple, safe apparatus designed to illustrate physical concepts, such as circuits, optics, or mechanical principles. They are widely used in classrooms and museums to provide tangible examples of theory and to facilitate hands-on learning.

In politics and public life, the term can refer to a participant in a demonstration or protest, though more common terms include demonstrator or protester depending on region and context.