Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Predicator

Definition: 

A predicator is the verb in its functional relation to the clause. It is comparable to the grammatical relations of subject and object.

Discussion: 

The term predicator can be used to refer to the verbal element in Subject-Ver b-Object constructions, that is, Subject-Predicator-Object. This avoids the confusion of using verb to refer to both a form and a function.

Source: 
241–242

Glossary Hierarchy