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Alternator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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alternator

[หˆษ”หltษ™neษชtษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

car engine

An alternator is a device in a vehicle that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It charges the battery and powers the electrical system while the engine is running.

Examples of usage

  • The alternator in my car stopped working, so now I have to jump-start it every morning.
  • If the alternator fails, the car's battery will eventually run out of power.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Development

  • The first practical alternator was developed in the late 19th century by engineers like Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison as a means to generate electricity.
  • Initially used in early electric power systems, alternators helped pave the way for long-distance transmission of electrical energy.

Technology

  • Modern cars typically use a more efficient type of alternator called a 'brushless alternator', which reduces wear and tear and increases lifespan.
  • Smart alternators can adjust their output based on the car's power demands, improving fuel efficiency.

Cultural Significance

  • In popular culture, the image of a car alternator is often used to symbolize innovation and the advancement of automotive technology.
  • Movies featuring car races often highlight the importance of an efficient electrical system, including the role of the alternator.

Science

  • An alternator converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy using principles of electromagnetism.
  • The components of an alternator include a stator, rotor, and rectifier, which work together to produce electricity efficiently.

Origin of 'alternator'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from 'alternate', which reflects how it creates an alternating current, as opposed to direct current.
  • The suffix '-ator' denotes a device that performs an action, so literally, an 'alternator' is something that creates alternating current.

The word 'alternator' originated from the Latin word 'alternatus,' which means 'done one after the other' or 'interchanged.' The alternator as a device was first introduced in the early 1960s as a more efficient replacement for generators in vehicles. It revolutionized the automotive industry by providing a reliable source of electrical power for cars.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,697, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.