magneto

¹

[mag-nee-toh]

noun

Electricity.

plural

magnetos 

1. a small electric generator with an armature that rotates in a magnetic field provided by permanent magnets, as a generator supplying ignition current for certain types of internal combustion engines or a hand-operated generator for telephone signaling.

magneto-

²

1. a combining form representing magnetic or magnetism in compound words.

   magnetochemistry.

magneto

¹

/ mæɡˈniːtəʊ /

noun

1. a small electric generator in which the magnetic field is produced by a permanent magnet, esp one for providing the spark in an internal-combustion engine

magneto-

²

combining form

1. indicating magnetism or magnetic properties

   magnetosphere

Word History and Origins

Origin of magneto¹

First recorded in 1880–85; short for magnetoelectric generator

Word History and Origins

Origin of magneto¹

C19: short for magnetoelectric generator