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Original · left

Electrical transformer

An electrical device used to step up or step down alternating voltage between circuits.

First in use: c. 1885
Duplicate · right

Transformer (deep learning)

A deep-learning neural network architecture that processes sequences concurrently via self-attention rather than sequential recurrence.

First in use: c. 2017

Transformer / Electrical transformer / Transformer (deep learning)

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Canonical todayMeasuring…
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Duplicate share · 12 mo—
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Colour keyGrey · original meaningGreen · duplicate meaningAmber · contested (40–60%)How colours work

Power-grid hardware vs. "Attention Is All You Need."

Which meaning of Transformer is the original, and which one is the duplicate riding on its name? Electrical transformer came first (c. 1885). Transformer (deep learning) arrived in 2017. The data below shows which one owns the word now.

Wikipedia pageviews since 2015

Electrical transformerTransformer (deep learning)
English Wikipedia pageviews since July 2015 load here.

Duplicate's share of attention

Green line = duplicate's % · above 60 it owns the word · below 40 the original does

Share-of-attention line loads here.

The case for each meaning

Sourced definitions, usage stats and quotes

Original · c. 1885

Electrical transformer

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Duplicate · c. 2017

Transformer (deep learning)

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More duplicated terms

AI & machine learning