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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

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Etymology

Origin of dynamo

First recorded in 1882; short for dynamoelectric

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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

Senior running back Wayne Knight, the Bruins’ 5-foot-7 dynamo, ran for two fourth-quarter touchdowns.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2026

In the space of three months, he went from a backup signal-caller to a dual-threat dynamo who led the Rebels to their first ever playoff appearance and ended Georgia’s dynasty.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026

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

The only two players before him to score and receive a red card in a World Cup knockout match are the Brazilian dynamo Ronaldinho and France legend Zinédine Zidane.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026

Mr. Watras looked pretty perturbed by this news — every teacher in the world has a soft spot for Annette, plus the girl’s a musical dynamo.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick

According to Helled, "Our models have so-called "ionic water" layers which generate magnetic dynamos in locations that explain the observed non-dipolar magnetic fields. We also found that Uranus' magnetic field originates deeper than Neptune's."

From Science Daily ● Dec. 10, 2025

The electric motor was a familiar concept even for Rolls-Royce founders: Henry Royce’s first venture, named F. H. Royce and Company, created dynamos, electric crane motors, and bayonet-style light bulb fitting.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 29, 2021

Franchises are seeking more dynamos — dual-threat quarterbacks whose legs can do damage right along with a powerful throwing arm.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 10, 2021

For a subset of neutron stars, that fluid would churn enough to set in motion something similar to the roiling dynamos that power magnetic fields inside Earth or the Sun.

From Science Magazine ● Apr. 8, 2021

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

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