Finesentence logo

Alternator: meaning, definitions and examples

🚗
Add to dictionary

alternator

 

[ ˈɔːltəneɪtər ]

Noun
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

Translations of the word "alternator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alternador

🇮🇳 वैकल्पिक यंत्र

🇩🇪 Lichtmaschine

🇮🇩 alternator

🇺🇦 генератор змінного струму

🇵🇱 alternator

🇯🇵 オルタネーター

🇫🇷 alternateur

🇪🇸 alternador

🇹🇷 alternatör

🇰🇷 교류 발전기

🇸🇦 مولد كهربائي

🇨🇿 alternátor

🇸🇰 alternátor

🇨🇳 交流发电机

🇸🇮 alternator

🇮🇸 rafall

🇰🇿 альтернатор

🇬🇪 ალტერნატორი

🇦🇿 alternator

🇲🇽 alternador

Etymology

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.