Inductor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inductor

[ɪnˈdʌktər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

electrical component

An inductor is a passive electrical component that stores energy in its magnetic field when electric current flows through it. It is primarily used in electronic circuits to control the flow of electricity and filter signals. Inductors are often found in applications such as transformers, chokes, and resonant circuits.

Synonyms

choke, coil, conductor.

Examples of usage

  • The inductor in the circuit helps filter out high-frequency noise.
  • Inductors are essential components in radio transmitters.
  • The inductance of the coil determines how much energy it can store.
  • We measured the resistance of the inductor with a multimeter.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Inductors are a key component in electrical circuits, used to help filter signals and manage energy flow.
  • The ability of an inductor to oppose changes in current is called 'inductance', measured in henries, named after the American scientist Joseph Henry.

Applications

  • Inductors are used in everyday items like radios, where they help tune into different frequencies.
  • They are also vital in power supply circuits, helping to smooth out fluctuations in electric current.

Technology

  • In the world of technology, inductors play a crucial role in wireless charging systems, allowing energy to transfer efficiently over distance.
  • Inductive charging uses a magnetic field created by an inductor to power devices like smartphones and electric vehicles.

Electrical Engineering

  • When combined with capacitors, inductors can form bandpass filters, which allow only specific frequencies to pass, essential for clear audio signals.
  • Inductors can store energy and release it when required, making them important in managing energy in power systems.

Origin of 'inductor'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'inductor' comes from the Latin word 'inducere', meaning 'to lead in or bring in', reflecting its role in leading electrical current.
  • Inductors are often named after their primary function, which is to induce a magnetic field when current passes through.

The term 'inductor' is derived from the Latin word 'inducere', which means 'to lead in'. It was first used in the context of electrical engineering in the 19th century, particularly as the study of electromagnetism began to evolve. The invention and development of inductors can be largely attributed to physicists such as Michael Faraday and Joseph Henry, who explored the principles of electromagnetic induction. As electrical technologies progressed, inductors became a vital component in various devices, serving functions such as energy storage, filtering, and stabilizing electrical currents. Over time, various types of inductors have been developed, including air-core, ferrite-core, and laminated-core inductors, each suitable for different applications. Industrial and consumer electronics rely heavily on inductors for their functionality, underscoring the importance of this component in modern technology.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,725, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.