IPA: /ˈmɒdəreɪtə/
KK: /ˈmɒdəˌreɪtə/
A person who leads or controls a discussion, meeting, or debate, ensuring that everyone has a chance to speak and that the conversation stays on topic.
The moderator asked the panelists to introduce themselves before starting the discussion.
Moderator → It is formed from "moderari" (meaning to moderate or to control) and the suffix "-or" (meaning one who). The word "moderator" refers to one who moderates or controls a discussion or process.
Think of someone who 'controls' ('moderari') a discussion — that's why a moderator is the one who keeps things in order.