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Glite Dictionary
Weston cell

Weston cell

9.7
A stable electrical cell that gives a standard voltage for measuring instruments
  • noun
  • /ˈwɛstən sɛl/
  • Archaic
translation icon : célula Weston
  • The laboratory uses a Weston cell to calibrate its voltmeters.

Examples

  • A Weston cell provides a very stable voltage under constant conditions.

  • Edward Weston invented the Weston cell in the late 19th century.

  • The Weston cell is essential for accurate voltage measurements.

  • Researchers often use a Weston cell in their experiments.

  • The laboratory uses a Weston cell to calibrate its voltmeters.

  • A Weston cell provides a very stable voltage under constant conditions.

  • The Weston cell is essential for accurate voltage measurements.

Synonyms

standard cell
vsWeston cell
  • Specialized
6.5

A very stable battery used to check voltage on measuring devices

is a specific, named variant invented by Edward Weston for precise reference use

Surface Forms

Weston cell singular
Weston cells plural

Morphology

Weston + cell

The headword combines a proper name (Weston) with the noun 'cell', so a B1 learner who knows 'cell' can infer this is a specific kind of electrical cell named after a person, but they cannot derive the specialized function (a precision reference standard for electromotive force) from the constituents. Because the basic category is transparent but the technical, conventional meaning requires subject-matter or cultural knowledge, this is only partially transparent to learners.

Etymology

Weston cell is named after Edward Weston and refers to a small, very steady cell, or battery, that gives a constant electric 'push'. Scientists used the cell like a 'measuring stick' to check voltmeters, so the name now means a standard source of 'voltage' for careful measurements.