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inductor

inductor

1 7.4
A coil of wire that slows changes in electric current by making a magnetic field
  • noun
  • /ɪnˈdʌktər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : inductor
  • Now from there it goes via these two inductors and it ends up here.
  • inductor in a circuit
  • inductor-capacitor

Examples

  • Now to make my inductor I need a big cylinder to wind the wires around.

  • Now, here's your bulb... and there's your ferrite core inductor.

  • The team realized their inductor-capacitor circuitry could drive wind and solar-powered pumps, motors, and other equipment when they received less than optimal power.

    Academic text (2007)
  • It worked by storing excess power in an inductor-capacitor circuit when electrical currents peaked, then reinjecting the power back into the circuit when currents cratered.

    Academic text (2007)
  • An inductor in an electrical circuit helps to oppose any changes in electric current.

  • The technician explained how the inductor controls the flow of electricity in the circuit.

  • When designing a power supply, using an inductor can improve the efficiency by reducing voltage spikes.

Synonyms

coil
vsinductor
  • Specialized
63 4.1

A piece of wire wound into a spiral used in electric devices

is that shape specifically used to oppose changes in electric current
inductance
vsinductor
  • Specialized
7.8

A coil of wire in a circuit that produces a voltage when the electric current changes

is the same component but uses slightly different wording

Surface Forms

inductor singular
inductors plural

Morphology

inductor = induct (semi-transparent) = in + duct + or

The base 'induct' is clear, but the specific technical meaning related to electrical components is specialized.

Etymology

The word inductor comes from the Latin inducere, made of in- 'into' and ducere 'to lead'. Think of conductor, a thing that 'leads' electricity, and you can see why an inductor is a part that 'leads in' a magnetic effect into a circuit and so resists quick changes in electric current.