magneto

¹

[ mag-nee-toh ]

noun

, Electricity.

, plural mag·ne·tos.

1. a small electric generator with an armature that rotates in a magnetic field provided by permanent magnets, as a generator supplying ignition current for certain types of internal combustion engines or a hand-operated generator for telephone signaling.

magneto-

²

1. a combining form representing magnetic or magnetism in compound words:

   magnetochemistry.

magneto

¹

/ mæɡˈniːtəʊ /

noun

1. a small electric generator in which the magnetic field is produced by a permanent magnet, esp one for providing the spark in an internal-combustion engine

magneto-

²

combining_form

1. indicating magnetism or magnetic properties

   magnetosphere

Word History and Origins

Origin of magneto¹

First recorded in 1880–85; short for magnetoelectric generator

Word History and Origins

Origin of magneto¹

C19: short for magnetoelectric generator

Example Sentences

I know only one thing about them for certain, and that is that my engineer grandfather designed a magneto for the Ford Model A, which replaced the hugely successful Model T in 1928.

From Los Angeles Times

During a test flight, a problem was found in a magneto, which fires the engine spark plugs.

From Washington Times

Established in 2009, IceBridge is an annual series of flights over both polar regions, surveying the state of the ice with a suite of instruments including laser altimeters, radars, magneto­meters and gravimeters.

From Time

He switched over to the magneto and the Ford of Lee Chong chuckled and jiggled and clattered happily as though it knew it was working for a man who loved and understood it.

From Literature

Even after retirement, Schlote continued to be active with 4-H and open shows and exhibits and still worked as a mechanic on magnetos, the units on older tractor models that created a spark.

From Washington Times