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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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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.