Meaning & Definition
noun
A device used for wiping or cleaning a surface, typically a windshield.
He replaced the worn-out wiper on his car's windshield for better visibility in the rain.
A person or thing that wipes.
The technician used a wiper to clean the lab equipment after the experiment.
A blade attached to a motorized arm that sweeps across a surface to remove water, dirt, or debris.
The automatic wiper started when the rain sensor detected moisture on the windshield.
Etymology
From the verb 'wipe' + '-er' indicating a device or agent that performs the action.
Common Phrases and Expressions
wiper blade:
The rubber part of a windshield wiper that makes contact with the glass to remove water.
windshield wipers:
Mechanical devices attached to a vehicle to remove rain or debris from the windshield.
Slang Meanings
A term sometimes used in tech to describe a person who cleans and maintains digital or physical surfaces.
He's known as the wiper of the office, always keeping things tidy.
In some contexts, it may refer to someone who excessively wipes or cleans themselves.
After that spill, he's become a total wiper, constantly washing his hands.