Battery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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battery

[หˆbรฆtษ™ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

power source

A battery is a container consisting of one or more cells, in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a power source for electronic devices.

Synonyms

accumulator, cell, power pack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
battery

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to a device that stores and provides electrical power for electronics such as phones, remote controls, and cars.

  • I need to charge my phone battery.
  • The car battery is dead.
cell

Used to describe individual units within a larger battery. Often referred to in scientific, technical, and specific applications like battery packs or fuel cells.

  • Each cell in the battery pack needs to be balanced.
  • The fuel cell generates electricity through a chemical reaction.
power pack

Refers to a portable device that can store and supply electrical power, often used to charge electronics on the go or to power tools and equipment. It can also mean a complete set of batteries and associated electronics.

  • I always carry a power pack to charge my devices when I travel.
  • The camera is equipped with a power pack for extended use.
accumulator

Typically used in technical or engineering contexts. It refers to a device that stores energy, often in hydraulic or pneumatic systems, and releases it when needed.

  • The hydraulic system uses an accumulator to maintain pressure.
  • The accumulator in the system failed to store the energy properly.

Examples of usage

  • The remote control requires two AA batteries.
  • My phone battery is running low, I need to recharge it.
Context #2 | Noun

legal context

In legal terms, a battery is the intentional and unlawful use of force against another person, resulting in harmful or offensive contact.

Synonyms

assault, physical attack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
battery

Battery refers to the unlawful physical act of using force against someone. It is a legal term often used in contexts involving law enforcement and legal proceedings.

  • He was arrested for battery after the altercation.
  • The victim filed a battery charge against the attacker.
assault

Assault can refer to both the threat of violence and the actual physical attack. In legal terms, it generally involves the intention to cause harm or fear of harm.

  • She was charged with assault after threatening her neighbor.
  • The assault took place in broad daylight.
physical attack

Physical attack is a more general term that describes any act of violence involving physical force. It is often used in everyday language and media reporting.

  • The physical attack was caught on security cameras.
  • Victims of the physical attack were taken to the hospital.

Examples of usage

  • The defendant was charged with battery for punching the victim.
  • Assault and battery are considered separate offenses in the legal system.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Batteries work by converting stored chemical energy into electrical energy through a chemical reaction.
  • There are two main types: primary cells (single-use) and secondary cells (rechargeable).
  • The first true battery was invented by Alessandro Volta in 1800 and was called the voltaic pile.

Technology

  • Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in smartphones, are lightweight and have a high energy density.
  • In recent years, advancements in solid-state batteries have promised even safer and more efficient energy storage.
  • The growing demand for electric vehicles has led to increased innovation in battery technology and recycling.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, we often see characters saving the day by simply plugging in their devices or changing batteries.
  • Musical terminology includes 'battery' to refer to a set of percussion instruments, linking the idea of power and rhythm.
  • Cartoons often feature humorous situations where toys stop working because the batteries are dead.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'energy' can influence our mood; when we think of energy stores, we relate it to our own fatigue or alertness.
  • The phrase 'running on empty' relates to how we feel without adequate energy or power, much like a device with a dead battery.
  • Positive energy and motivation can be likened to a fully charged battery, powering our actions and decisions.

Origin of 'battery'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old French term 'batterie', which meant 'to beat' or 'to strike'.
  • In the late 18th century, the term 'battery' began to be used in the context of electrical devices.
  • It originally referred to a group of guns or cannons, reflecting the idea of stored power before evolving into its modern meaning.

The word 'battery' originated from the Latin word 'batteria', meaning 'beating' or 'wounding'. Initially used in the context of physical harm, it later evolved to refer to a power source in the 18th century with the development of electrical science and technology.


See also: battering.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,936, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.