autotransformer

[ aw-toh-trans-fawr-mer ]

noun

, Electricity.

1. a transformer having a single coil that serves as both a primary coil and a secondary coil.

autotransformer

/ ˌɔːtəʊtrænsˈfɔːmə /

noun

1. a transformer in which part of the winding is common to both primary and secondary circuits

Word History and Origins

Origin of autotransformer¹

First recorded in 1890–95; auto- ¹ + transformer