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Glite Dictionary
electrical distributor

electrical distributor

6.6
A device in a car engine that sends high voltage to the spark plugs in the right order
  • noun
  • /ɪˈlɛktrɪkəl dɪsˈtrɪbjʊtər/
  • Archaic
translation icon : distribuidor eléctrico
  • An electrical distributor sends high-voltage current to each spark plug in the right sequence.

Examples

  • The mechanic replaced the faulty electrical distributor to ensure the engine would start correctly.

  • Older cars often need their electrical distributor caps checked and replaced regularly.

  • The electrical distributor failed to send the voltage.

  • Many electrical distributors are used in modern vehicles.

  • An electrical distributor routes voltage to the spark plugs in a precise order, ensuring the engine runs smoothly.

  • The mechanic explained that the electrical distributor is crucial for delivering the correct voltage to each spark plug.

  • To troubleshoot the engine's starting problem, he checked the electrical distributor for any faults or interruptions.

Synonyms

distributor
vselectrical distributor
  • Specialized
7 5.5

A device in a car engine that sends electricity to the spark plugs

is the same device but named with an extra technical modifier

Surface Forms

electrical distributor singular
electrical distributors plural

Morphology

electrical + distributor

The meaning is directly compositional: 'electrical' qualifies a 'distributor', so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it is a device that distributes electricity or voltage. Although the item is a specific automotive part, the modifier+noun pattern is transparent and cross-linguistically common, making the overall meaning predictable from the constituents.

Etymology

The noun electrical distributor, made from electrical and distributor, works like a person who hands out items in a line: it 'sends' strong electric power to each spark plug one by one. So that image of giving things out helps you remember that the electrical distributor 'routes' the spark to the right plug at the right time.