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Wattage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wattage

[ˈwɒtɪdʒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

measuring power

Wattage refers to the amount of electrical power expressed in watts. It quantifies how much energy is being used or produced per unit of time. Higher wattage indicates more power consumption or generation.

Synonyms

electricity, energy consumption, power.

Examples of usage

  • The lamp has a wattage of 60 watts.
  • When choosing a light bulb, consider the wattage for brightness.
  • His audio system consumes significant wattage.
  • The wattage in this appliance exceeds the limit.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • One watt is defined as one joule of energy used per second, illustrating how quickly energy can be converted to work.
  • Wattage plays a crucial role in calculating how much energy devices will consume over time, helping in energy management.

Technology

  • Light bulbs are often rated by wattage, indicating how much energy they consume and how bright they can be.
  • In modern electronics, higher wattage ratings can indicate the ability to power larger or more demanding devices.

Economics

  • Understanding wattage helps consumers choose energy-efficient appliances, which can reduce electricity bills.
  • Different regions might have different electricity prices, making knowledge of wattage vital for cost-effective energy use.

Environment

  • Smarter energy consumption based on wattage ratings can significantly reduce an individual’s carbon footprint.
  • Renewable energy technologies, like solar panels, often use wattage to measure how much power they can generate.

Origin of 'wattage'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the name of James Watt, an 18th-century Scottish inventor who improved the steam engine.
  • Wattage is related to the unit 'watt' which measures electricity and is a standard in science and engineering.

The term 'wattage' is derived from the name of the Scottish inventor James Watt, who is best known for his work on the steam engine during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century. The word 'watt' was officially adopted as a unit of power in the International System of Units (SI) in 1889, recognizing Watt's contributions to the development of technology that relies on electrical power. The suffix '-age' indicates a state or condition, thus 'wattage' refers to the condition of being measured in watts. The growing reliance on electrical systems in the 20th century propelled the use of 'wattage' in everyday language, especially within the fields of electrical engineering, appliance design, and household energy usage.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,310, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.