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Glite Dictionary
monostable relay

monostable relay

8.1
An electric switch that goes back to its normal position when power is off
  • noun
  • /ˈmɒnəˌsteɪbəl rɪˈleɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : relé monostable
  • When the power is removed, the monostable relay returns to its normal position.

Examples

  • In the circuit diagram, a monostable relay is used for automatic reset.

  • The monostable relay returned to its default state quickly.

  • The technician recommended using a monostable relay for safety reasons.

  • A monostable relay is used in many electronic circuits.

  • When the power is removed, the monostable relay returns to its default position automatically.

  • In electronic systems, a monostable relay effectively resets circuits when the current is interrupted.

  • The monostable relay is crucial for ensuring that devices revert to their original state after being powered off.

Surface Forms

monostable relay singular
monostable relays plural

Morphology

monostable + relay

The head noun 'relay' (a switch) is transparent, and 'monostable' can be decomposed into the prefix 'mono-' (one) + 'stable' (single stable state), so a learner who recognizes these parts could infer a relay with one default/stable position. However, 'monostable' is a technical morphological formation that B1 learners are unlikely to know, and the precise electrical behavior ('returns to default when current is off') requires domain knowledge, making the expression only partially predictable.

Etymology

Monostable relay comes from its parts: mono ('one'), stable ('steady') and relay ('a moving switch'). It works like a gate pushed by power; when the power stops the relay returns to its normal position, so the name shows it has one steady position.