magneto

¹

[ mag-nee-toh ]

noun

, Electricity.

, plural mag·ne·tos.

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

Example Sentences

Magneto represents an extreme point of those views so you can sort of isolate them.

From The Daily Beast

Readers unfamiliar with the twins may recognize their father, perennial X-Men villain, Magneto.

From The Daily Beast

I was a huge fan of the X-Men comics growing up, and Magneto is great.

From The Daily Beast

But Michael Fassbender reveals that he did the same thing, when he played Magneto in X-Men: First Class.

From The Daily Beast

Bud swore a little and got out more tools and went after the magneto with grim determination.

From Project Gutenberg

Professor Graham Bell had introduced his magneto-electric telephone, but its effect was feeble.

From Project Gutenberg

The armature of a practical magneto, therefore, differs materially from that shown in the diagram.

From Project Gutenberg

Magneto field magnets are always made of tungsten steel alloy, so treated that it will retain its magnetism for lengthy periods.

From Project Gutenberg

If there should be a tight spot between these two gears it will react disadvantageously on the magneto.

From Project Gutenberg