dry cell

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. a cell in which the electrolyte exists in the form of a paste, is absorbed in a porous medium, or is otherwise restrained from flowing.

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dry cell British  

noun

1. a primary cell in which the electrolyte is in the form of a paste or is treated in some way to prevent it from spilling Compare wet cell

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dry cell Scientific  

1. A galvanic electric cell, such as a flashlight battery, in which the chemicals in the electrolyte are made into a paste so that they cannot easily spill from their container.

2. Compare wet cell

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Etymology

Origin of dry cell

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dry cell

The other technological advances exhibited at the turn of the century included the diesel engine, "talking" films, dry cell batteries and the Paris Metro.

From Salon ● Jun. 5, 2023

An alkaline battery can deliver about three to five times the energy of a zinc-carbon dry cell of similar size.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019

A child’s electronic toy is supplied by three 1.58-V alkaline cells having internal resistances of 0.0200 Ω in series with a 1.53-V carbon-zinc dry cell having a 0.100-Ω internal resistance.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

If these expectations are fulfilled the radio manufacturing business may cackle the loudest, but much of the egg money will be collected by the makers of dry cell batteries.

From Time Magazine Archive

The clock is operated by a small motor receiving its power from dry cell batteries.

From The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1 700 Things for Boys to Do by Popular Mechanics Co.