master device

[ˈmæstər dɪˈvaɪs]
nounpl: master devices
dispositivo mestre
1. A primary or controlling device in a system that commands or coordinates the operation of secondary devices (slave devices)
The master device sends signals to all connected slave devices in the network.
O dispositivo mestre envia sinais para todos os dispositivos escravos conectados na rede.
2. In industrial or technical contexts, the main control unit that manages subordinate equipment or processes
The master device controls the timing and synchronization of all peripheral equipment.
O dispositivo mestre controla o tempo e a sincronização de todos os equipamentos periféricos.
3. In telecommunications, the primary unit in a master-slave architecture
The master device initiates all communication protocols with the slave devices.
O dispositivo mestre inicia todos os protocolos de comunicação com os dispositivos escravos.
This is primarily technical terminology used in engineering, telecommunications, and computer science fields in both Brazil and the USA. The term reflects a hierarchical control structure common in industrial systems. In recent years, there has been discussion in some technical communities about replacing 'master-slave' terminology with more neutral alternatives like 'primary-secondary' or 'controller-peripheral' to promote more inclusive language.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
primary devicecontrolling devicemain devicehost devicecontrol unit
Antonyms / Antônimos
slave devicesecondary devicesubordinate device

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
dispositivo mestre
Standard technical term used in computing and engineering contexts
Portugal
dispositivo mestre or equipamento principal
Both terms are used; equipamento principal is more common in some industrial contexts
Technical/International
dispositivo principal de controle
Expanded form sometimes used for clarity

Related Words

slave devicecontrol systemsynchronizationnetwork architectureprotocolperipheral device

Related Idioms & Phrases

master-slave relationship
master-slave architecture
master control
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