equater

Equater is a nonstandard spelling that may be encountered as a typographical error for equator or, less commonly, as a proper noun used as a brand name or surname. In standard usage, the term equator refers to the imaginary circle around the middle of a planet that is equidistant from the poles and divides the planet into Northern and Southern Hemispheres. On Earth, the equator lies at 0 degrees latitude and serves as a reference line for geography and navigation. The word derives from the Latin aequator, meaning "one who makes equal" or "leveler." The mainstream English spelling is equator; "equater" is generally considered incorrect in geographic contexts and is not listed as a separate term in major dictionaries.

When used as a proper noun, equater may designate a brand name, product, or surname, in which case its meaning is defined by the underlying entity rather than by a general definition.

Without context, "equater" does not have a stable, widely accepted definition. In related usage, users should default to "equator" in scientific and educational writing, and reserve "equater" for specific branded or contextual uses where it appears in sources. See also equator, equatorial, geography, latitude.