Powerplant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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powerplant
[ˈpaʊəˌplænt ]
Definition
energy production
A powerplant is a facility that generates electricity by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Powerplants can use various sources of energy such as coal, natural gas, nuclear, or renewable sources like wind or solar power.
Synonyms
electricity plant, generation facility, power station.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| powerplant |
This seems to be a duplicate of the first term. It also refers to the facility that generates electricity.
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| power station |
Commonly used in British English and often used in everyday conversation to describe a place where electricity is produced.
|
| electricity plant |
Used in more technical or formal situations to specify a facility that generates electricity.
|
| generation facility |
A broader term used in formal and technical contexts, can refer to facilities generating electricity from various sources, including renewable energies.
|
Examples of usage
- The powerplant in our city is powered by natural gas.
- The powerplant is responsible for providing electricity to thousands of households.
- The government is investing in building new powerplants to meet the growing demand for electricity.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The first large-scale power plant in the world was the Pearl Street Station, which Thomas Edison opened in New York City in 1882.
- Hydroelectric power plants were among the earliest type of power plants, with installations dating back to the late 19th century.
Science
- Power plants can use various energy sources such as fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable resources like wind and solar.
- The efficiency of power plants can vary significantly depending on the technology used, affecting how much energy is converted from raw materials.
Environmental Impact
- Traditional fossil fuel power plants release greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
- Renewable energy power plants, like wind and solar, have a much lower environmental impact and are promoting a shift towards cleaner energy.
Pop Culture
- Power plants have been featured in various movies and TV shows, often symbolizing industry or environmental conflict.
- In the video game industry, power plants are often depicted in dystopian settings, highlighting mankind's reliance on power sources.
Origin of 'powerplant'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'power' comes from the Latin word 'potere,' meaning to be able or capable.
- The word 'plant' has its roots in the Latin 'plantare,' which means to plant or establish something.
The term 'powerplant' originated in the late 19th century as a combination of 'power' and 'plant', referring to a facility where power is generated. With the advancement of technology, powerplants have evolved to utilize a variety of energy sources for electricity generation, playing a crucial role in modern society's energy infrastructure.
See also: empower, overpower, overpowered, overpowering, powered, powerful, powerfully, powerhouse, powering, powerless, powerlessly, powerlessness, powers, superpower.