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

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s also no 12V battery with all of the traditional systems being powered through a solid-state DC-DC converter from the high-voltage battery to provide 12V. That means the Pentastar probably also doesn’t have an alternator, another cost and weight savings. Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 By 1916, large magnetic amplifiers were being used for transatlantic radio telephony, carried out with an invention called an Alexanderson alternator, which produced a high-power, high-frequency alternating current for the radio transmitter. IEEE Spectrum, 27 Mar. 2022 Lonnie tells his mother that the sound from the car stems from the alternator and offers to fix it after taking out the trash and helping his little brother with his homework. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 Straight from the factory, the Hellcat Redeye requires a duo of uprated fuel pumps that are so large that the alternator needs to send more power through the electrical system under hard throttle. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2025 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 13 Mar. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on alternator

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