governor

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The person in charge of running a state or region, especially in the United States.

   The governor of California gave a speech about the new budget.

2. 2
   noun

   A member of a group that manages an organization such as a school, bank, or hospital.

   She was elected to the board of governors of the local school.

3. 3
   noun

   A device that automatically controls the speed of a machine.

   A governor limits the engine's speed when it runs idle.

From Middle English governour, from Old French gouvreneur, from Latin gubernator, from Ancient Greek κυβερνήτης (kubernḗtēs, “steersman, pilot, guide”), from κυβερνάω (kubernáō, “to steer, to drive, to guide, to act as a pilot”), of disputed origin. By surface analysis, govern + -or. Doublet of gubernator.

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