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• dynamo
  dynamo

  noun

  an electric generator, especially for direct current.
• dynamo-
  dynamo-

  variant of dyna-.

dynamo

¹ American  

[dahy-nuh-moh] / ˈdaɪ nəˌmoʊ /

noun

• dynamos
  plural

1. an electric generator, especially for direct current.

2. an energetic, hardworking, forceful person.

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dynamo- ² American  

Also dynam-.

1. variant of dyna-.

   dynamometer.

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dynamo- ¹ British  

combining form

1. indicating power

   dynamoelectric

   dynamite

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dynamo ² British  

/ ˈdaɪnəˌməʊ /

noun

1. a device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, esp one that produces direct current Compare generator

2. informal an energetic hard-working person

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dynamo Scientific  

/ dī′nə-mō′ /

1. An electric generator, especially one that produces direct current.

2. See more at generator

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• dynamos
  plural

Etymology

Origin of dynamo

First recorded in 1882; short for dynamoelectric

Explanation

A dynamo creates energy. It’s short for "dynamoelectric machine," which is a generator that cranks out electric currents. If someone calls you a dynamo, don’t get mad, it just means you’re energetic. The word dynamo comes from the Greek dynamis for "power." Boom! It’s like dynamite! The inventor of the dynamo-electric machine knew that when he named the device that turns mechanical power into electric current. Dynamos have been used to make power since the 1800’s. Since dynamo is such a snappy name, it’s often used to describe high-energy people, too. Is your room a disaster? Call an organizing dynamo to help you clean it up.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dynamo dynamos

This summer, Slegers has strengthened her hand with seven new players, including full-back Ona Batlle, Caldentey's compatriot, and England dynamo Georgia Stanway to stiffen midfield.

From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2026

But the U.S. rose to become an industrial dynamo and international power because of our financial system, industrial prowess and ingenuity.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 20, 2026

"It's not by itself conclusive, but it suggests that maybe the dynamo was in a slightly different regime than today," he said.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 21, 2026

Although it can be loosely compared to the motion of a spinning conductor in a bicycle dynamo, the true processes driving the field are far more complicated.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 25, 2026

After surveying the ground, Snowball declared that this was just the place for a windmill, which could be made to operate a dynamo and supply the farm with electrical power.

From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell

Scientists have studied magnetic dynamos, the processes that generate magnetic fields, for roughly 70 years.

From Science Daily ● May 26, 2026

But Pontzer found it was toddlers who are the dynamos.

From Science Magazine ● Feb. 16, 2022

Together, the trio coached by Eteri Tutberidze make up the “Quad Squad,” a group of young dynamos that are among the few women in the world capable of landing four-revolution jumps.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 14, 2022

We can no longer separate questions of child well-being or parental stress from these twin dynamos.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 20, 2022

The animals were hard at work building yet another windmill; when that one was finished, so it was said, the dynamos would be installed.

From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell