magneto
Magneto (noun) means a small generator that uses a rotating magnet to produce electric current, used to fire the spark plugs in some small engines (still common on aircraft). Example: “The old tractor still starts on a magneto rather than a battery.”
How to use magneto
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small spinning magnet-generator that makes its own electricity to fire spark plugs, without needing a battery.
Word forms
magnetos plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old tractor still starts on a _____ rather than a battery.
Etymology
A shortening of "magneto-electric machine", the original 19th-century name for the device.
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for magneto
See all rhymes for magneto →Frequently asked questions
What does “magneto” mean?
The word “magneto” means a small generator that uses a rotating magnet to produce electric current, used to fire the spark plugs in some small engines (still common on aircraft). In plain terms, a small spinning magnet-generator that makes its own electricity to fire spark plugs, without needing a battery.
How do you pronounce “magneto”?
“Magneto” is pronounced mag-NEE-toh (/maɡˈniːtəʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “magneto” in a sentence?
Here is “magneto” used in a sentence: “The old tractor still starts on a magneto rather than a battery.”
What part of speech is “magneto”?
“Magneto” is a noun.
Where does the word “magneto” come from?
The word “magneto” dates back to around 1800. A shortening of "magneto-electric machine", the original 19th-century name for the device.