electrical condenser

5.2

A device that stores electric charge to give out later

noun
/ɪˈlɛktrɪkəl kənˈdɛnsər/

Archaic

: condensador

The electrical condenser in the circuit stores energy that can be released when needed.

Examples

Before modern terminology, what we now call a capacitor was referred to as an electrical condenser.
Early radios often used an electrical condenser to tune into different frequencies.
An electrical condenser is essential in many electronic circuits.
The electrical condenser stores energy for later use.
Early radios often used an electrical condenser to tune into different frequencies.
An electrical condenser is essential in many electronic circuits for storing electric charge.
The electrical condenser in the circuit stores energy that can be released when needed.

Synonyms

capacitor

vselectrical condenser

Specialized

24 6.3

A small electrical part that stores and releases energy in a circuit

is the older name now mostly replaced by the modern technical term

condenser

vselectrical condenser

Archaic

1 5.9

A part that stores electric charge in a circuit

is the modern technical name usually used instead

Surface Forms

electrical condenser singular

electrical condensers plural

Morphology

electrical + condenser

The compound is compositionally transparent: 'electrical' specifies the domain and 'condenser' names the device, so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a device related to electricity that condenses or stores charge (i.e. a capacitor). Although 'condenser' is somewhat technical, the meaning follows directly from the constituents and similar compound patterns exist cross-linguistically, making it readily understandable.

Etymology

Electrical condenser The name electrical condenser comes from the idea that the device 'condensed' or gathered electric charge in one place, like water collecting in a jar. That's why it meant a device that 'stores electric charge', which we now usually call a 'capacitor'.