Connector
Connector turns up in 2 fields: fiber optics, electronics. Here is what it means to the people in each one.
Connector in fiber optics
A removable termination that aligns the end of one fiber with another so light passes between them.
A precision plug that holds the fiber end in a ferrule so it can be mated to another connector through an adapter and taken apart again. Good singlemode connections lose about 0.1 to 0.3 dB, and most cabling standards allow up to 0.75 dB per mated pair. Performance depends on core alignment, end-face polish, the physical contact of the two ends and, above all, cleanliness.
"Connector loss on panel B is 0.9 dB, pull it, scope it, clean it and shoot it again before you call it bad."
Connector in electronics
An electromechanical device used to join electrical terminations and create an electrical circuit.
A physical interface that joins two electrical circuits together, usually consisting of a male plug and a female receptacle. They come in thousands of form factors designed for specific voltages, frequencies, and environmental conditions. A good connector provides a low-resistance path while allowing for repeated mating and unmating without degrading the signal.
"Make sure the connector is fully seated until it clicks, or vibration will back it out."