magneto

[ mag-nee-toh ]

noun,plural mag·ne·tos.Electricity.
  1. a small electric generator with an armature that rotates in a magnetic field provided by permanent magnets, as a generator supplying ignition current for certain types of internal combustion engines or a hand-operated generator for telephone signaling.

Origin of magneto

1
First recorded in 1880–85; short for magnetoelectric generator

Words Nearby magneto

Other definitions for magneto- (2 of 2)

magneto-

  1. a combining form representing magnetic or magnetism in compound words: magnetochemistry.

  • Also especially before a vowel, magnet-.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use magneto in a sentence

  • Professor Graham Bell had introduced his magneto-electric telephone, but its effect was feeble.

  • The armature of a practical magneto, therefore, differs materially from that shown in the diagram.

    Aviation Engines | Victor Wilfred Pag
  • magneto field magnets are always made of tungsten steel alloy, so treated that it will retain its magnetism for lengthy periods.

    Aviation Engines | Victor Wilfred Pag
  • If there should be a tight spot between these two gears it will react disadvantageously on the magneto.

    Aviation Engines | Victor Wilfred Pag

British Dictionary definitions for magneto (1 of 2)

magneto

/ (mæɡˈniːtəʊ) /


nounplural -tos
  1. a small electric generator in which the magnetic field is produced by a permanent magnet, esp one for providing the spark in an internal-combustion engine

Origin of magneto

1
C19: short for magnetoelectric generator

British Dictionary definitions for magneto- (2 of 2)

magneto-

combining form
  1. indicating magnetism or magnetic properties: magnetosphere

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012