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fuel cell

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

noun

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

fuel cell

  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

  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.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of fuel cell1

First recorded in 1920–25
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But smaller turbines, reciprocating engines or fuel cells that also can use natural gas remain available—for now.

The company, which makes fuel cells that turn natural gas or hydrogen into electricity, will be the preferred power provider for Brookfield’s AI factories.

Read more on Barron's

Bloom Energy manufactures fuel cells that convert natural gas or hydrogen into electricity.

Read more on Barron's

Vehicles that qualified included fuel cell electric, natural gas or plug-in electric cars.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Car technology today, such as battery-electric, plug-in hybrid-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles, is helping the state reach its goal, according to the California Air Resources Board.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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