noun
magneto
mag-NEE-toh
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.”
noun
1
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).
"The old tractor still starts on a magneto rather than a battery."
"Aircraft engines often carry two magnetos for redundancy in case one fails."
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.
Common pairings
magneto ignition
aircraft magneto
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like magneto.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- magnetos
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.
Class of 1800
magneto joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
Synonyms
View more →
magnetoelectric machine
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.
