alternator

noun

al·​ter·​na·​tor ˈȯl-tər-ˌnā-tər How to pronounce alternator (audio)
also ˈal-
: an electric generator for producing alternating current

Examples of alternator in a Sentence

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Those batteries charge off-grid via 800 watts of rooftop solar (expandable to 1,200 W) and an auxiliary 6,500-W alternator, keeping the 48-V electrical system live and ready for the full two weeks, with that running A/C will drive the battery reserves down much quicker. C.c. Weiss may 17, New Atlas, 17 May 2026 Test the alternator output, check the door ajar switch, and inspect the parking brake and brake fluid level. Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026 The problems started on the first lap for Reddick, who radioed his team about an alternator problem that caused his voltage to drop dangerously low. ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026 Belts and pulleys are fine for use with auxiliary equipment such as water pumps, alternators, air conditioners and power steering, but are not great for high-power, high-torque automatic transmissions. Ed Sokalski, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alternator

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alternator was in 1883

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Cite this Entry

“Alternator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternator. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

alternator

noun
al·​ter·​na·​tor ˈȯl-tər-ˌnāt-ər How to pronounce alternator (audio)
also ˈal-
: an electric generator for producing alternating current

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