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Glite Dictionary
cadmium cell

cadmium cell

8.8
An electrical cell that uses cadmium metal for one electrode and gives a steady voltage for laboratory use
  • noun
  • /ˈkædmiəm sɛl/
  • Archaic
translation icon : celda de cadmio
  • The laboratory maintains its reference voltage with a cadmium cell for calibration purposes.

Examples

  • The cadmium cell is crucial for accurate voltage measurements.

  • Technicians measured the voltage deviation by comparing it with a standard cadmium cell.

  • Early electrical experiments often relied on the cadmium cell to ensure consistent measurements.

  • Many laboratories still use a cadmium cell for testing.

  • The scientist replaced the old batteries with new cadmium cells for better performance.

  • In the laboratory, the team used a cadmium cell to ensure accurate voltage measurements.

  • Before switching to lithium batteries, they relied heavily on cadmium cells for their experiments.

Surface Forms

cadmium cell singular
cadmium cells plural

Morphology

cadmium + cell

The phrase is a straightforward noun–noun compound: a 'cell' (electrical unit) that is made from or uses 'cadmium' (the metal), so its basic meaning is directly derivable from the constituents. Although it is a technical laboratory term (details like its historical use as a voltage standard are specialist knowledge), an average B1 learner who knows both words can infer the general referent.

Etymology

Cadmium cell The noun cadmium cell comes from a small electrical cell made with the metal cadmium; labs used this little device like an exact 'ruler' to check voltages. That's why the name means a cell used as a 'voltage standard'.