magnetostrictive speaker

8.2

A device that makes sound by metal changing shape in a magnetic field, often used in underwater devices

noun
/ˌmæɡnɪtoʊstrɪktɪv ˈspiːkər/

Specialized

: altavoz magnetoestrictivo

The company unveiled a new magnetostrictive speaker for underwater communication devices.

Examples

Unlike traditional designs, a magnetostrictive speaker can operate more efficiently in harsh environments.
Many magnetostrictive speakers are used in underwater applications.
Researchers tested the durability of the magnetostrictive speaker under extreme temperature variations.
The magnetostrictive speaker produces sound with incredible clarity.
The company unveiled a new magnetostrictive speaker for underwater communication devices.
Researchers tested the durability of the magnetostrictive speaker under extreme temperature variations.
Many magnetostrictive speakers are used in specialized audio applications for their clarity.

Surface Forms

magnetostrictive speaker singular

magnetostrictive speakers plural

Morphology

magnetostrictive + speaker

The compound is fully compositional: 'magnetostrictive' denotes materials that change shape under magnetic fields and 'speaker' denotes a device that produces sound, so the phrase straightforwardly refers to a loudspeaker that uses magnetostriction to produce sound. This is a technical but non-idiomatic formation, so a learner who knows both constituent meanings can infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Magnetostrictive speaker comes from how it makes sound: a magnet inside it 'changes shape' a tiny amount when it is magnetized, and that small movement makes vibrations the speaker sends out. That's why the name means a speaker that uses a magnetic 'shape change' to make sound.