step-down transformer
- noun
- /ˈstɛpˌdaʊn trænˈsfɔrmər/
- Specialized
:
transformador reductor
- A step-down transformer is used to reduce the voltage before it reaches homes and businesses.
Examples
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In electrical engineering, a step-down transformer decreases the voltage of an alternating current for safer use.
-
I haven't used this step down transformer before so hopefully it's going to work OK.
-
That's a bad step-down transformer.
-
Step-down transformers (not all of which are shown in the figure) decrease the voltages delivered to consumers.
Academic text (2004) -
The technician inspected the step-down transformer to ensure it was functioning correctly and lowering the voltage as needed.
Synonyms
1
5.5
A device like a transformer that lowers electrical voltage
A device that lowers high electrical voltage to a safer level
Antonyms
- Specialized
1
4.8
A device that raises the voltage of electric current that changes direction
How Powerful
- Specialized
- Specialized
28
4.9
- Informal
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
step-down + transformer
The noun phrase is transparently built from 'step down' (to decrease) modifying 'transformer' (a device that changes voltage), so a learner who knows those constituent meanings can infer it lowers voltage. Although somewhat technical, the formation follows a productive English pattern (verb+particle → adjective + noun) and does not require idiomatic knowledge.
Etymology
The noun step-down transformer uses a simple picture: step-down suggests going down steps and transformer is a device that changes electricity. So, it means 'a device that lowers voltage'.