fuel cell

American  

noun

1. a device that produces a continuous electric current directly from the oxidation of a fuel, as that of hydrogen by oxygen.

---

fuel cell British  

noun

1. a cell in which the energy produced by oxidation of a fuel is converted directly into electrical energy

---

fuel cell Scientific  

1. A device that produces electricity by combining a fuel, usually hydrogen, with oxygen. In this reaction, electrons are freed from the hydrogen in the fuel cell by a catalyst, and gain energy from the chemical reaction binding hydrogen and oxygen; this provides a source for electric current. The exhaust of hydrogen fuel cells consists simply of water. Fuel cells are currently used in spacecraft, and increasingly in ground transportation, with potential use everywhere electricity is required.

---

fuel cell Cultural  

1. An electrochemical device where a chemical reaction produces energy that is converted directly into electricity. Once used primarily in space travel, fuel cells are now being considered for use in cars. Unlike internal-combustion engines, fuel cells do not pollute the environment.

---

Etymology

Origin of fuel cell

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Researchers led by Northwestern University have developed a fuel cell that generates electricity using microbes naturally found in soil.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

To demonstrate its capabilities, the team used the fuel cell to operate sensors that measure soil moisture and detect touch.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

GE Vernova is developing fuel cell technology for commercialization within one to two years, with industrialization in two to three years.

From Barron's • Dec. 16, 2025

For fuel cell leader Bloom Energy, GE Vernova’s entrance is a mixed blessing.

From Barron's • Dec. 16, 2025

And each fuel cell has only a small amount of H2 anyway.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir