al·ter·na·tor (ôl t r-n  tr,  l-)n. An electric generator that produces alternating current. |
alternator [ˈɔːltəˌneɪtə]
n
(Engineering / Electrical Engineering) an electrical machine that generates an alternating current
| alternator (ôltr-ntr) An electric generator that produces alternating current. The generator's coil is rotated (by a turbine, motor, or other power source), and its circular path causes it to cut cross a magnetic field (set up by strong magnets), first in one direction, then the other, with each cycle. The electric potential induced in the coil by this motion thus alternates between positive and negative once with each cycle, resulting in alternating current. See more at induction. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  alternator - an old term for an electric generator that produces alternating current (especially in automobiles)auto, automobile, car, motorcar, machine - a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine; "he needs a car to get to work" electrical system - equipment in a motor vehicle that provides electricity to start the engine and ignite the fuel and operate the lights and windshield wiper and heater and air conditioner and radio generator - engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction |
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