Inverter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inverter

[ɪnˈvɜːtər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

electrical engineering

An inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). It is commonly used in photovoltaic systems to convert the DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity suitable for powering homes and businesses.

Synonyms

converter, transformer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inverter

An inverter is used in situations where there is a need to convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). It is commonly used in solar power systems and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

  • The solar panel system includes an inverter to convert the DC electricity generated by the panels into AC electricity for home use.
  • An inverter is essential to keep your electronic devices running during a power outage.
converter

A converter is used in contexts where there is a need to change one form of energy or signal into another. It can refer to various types of conversions like voltage, current, signal (analog to digital), or even data format.

  • The USB converter allows you to connect your older devices to your new computer.
  • In many electronic devices, a power converter changes the AC from the wall outlet into DC that the device can use.
transformer

A transformer is mostly used in electrical engineering and power distribution to change the voltage level of alternating current (AC). It is essential for the transmission of electric power over long distances.

  • The high-voltage transformer at the power station is critical for reducing the high voltage to a safer level for home use.
  • Transformers are used in almost all electronic devices to adjust voltage levels for different components.

Examples of usage

  • The inverter in our solar panel system stopped working, so we had to get it replaced.
  • Make sure to check the efficiency rating of the inverter before purchasing it.
Context #2 | Noun

linguistics

In linguistics, an inverter is a type of syntactic structure where the usual order of words in a sentence is reversed for emphasis or stylistic reasons. It is often used in poetry and literature to create a unique rhythm or tone.

Synonyms

reverser, transposer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inverter

Commonly used in electronics and power systems, especially to describe a device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC).

  • The solar panel system uses an inverter to convert the DC power to AC for home use
  • Make sure the inverter is properly ventilated to avoid overheating
reverser

Often used in machinery or mechanical contexts to describe a mechanism that changes the direction of movement or operation.

  • The engineer adjusted the reverser on the locomotive to switch the train's direction
  • Airplane engines are equipped with thrust reversers to help slow down during landing
transposer

Typically used in musical or programming contexts to denote changing the key of a musical piece or rearranging data.

  • She used a transposer to shift the song's key from C major to E major for the performance
  • In the software, the transposer function can rearrange the rows and columns of the dataset

Examples of usage

  • The poet employed an inverter in this line to draw attention to a specific word.
  • An inverter can change the impact of a sentence by altering the word order.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Inverters are critical in solar power systems, converting the DC output of solar panels into AC for home use.
  • Some inverters also have the capability to regulate voltage and frequency, ensuring stable power supply.

Technology

  • Modern inverters are found in many gadgets, including computers, medical devices, and electric vehicles.
  • There are different types of inverters, such as pure sine wave, modified sine wave, and grid-tied, each serving varied applications.

Economics

  • The increasing shift to renewable energy sources has driven the demand for inverters, creating significant growth in the renewable energy market.
  • Government incentives for solar installations often include provisions for inverter technologies.

Environmental Impact

  • Inverters play a vital role in reducing carbon footprints by enabling the use of clean energy sources.
  • As energy efficiency technologies improve, inverters become more effective at minimizing energy losses during conversion.

Origin of 'inverter'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'inverter' comes from the Latin word 'vertere', which means 'to turn or change'.
  • The word started to be used in electrical engineering in the mid-20th century as electronic devices began to evolve.

The word 'inverter' originated from the Latin word 'invertere', which means 'to turn upside down'. The term was first used in the context of electrical engineering in the early 20th century with the development of devices that could convert direct current to alternating current. Over time, the usage of 'inverter' expanded to other fields such as linguistics, where it refers to a different concept of word order inversion.


See also: inversion, invert, inverted.