dry cell
1
4.0
- noun
- /draɪ sɛl/
- Specialized
:
pila seca
- This toy requires two dry cell batteries to operate properly.
- dry cell battery
Examples
-
The flashlight stopped working because it needed new dry cell batteries.
-
What about all those dry cell batteries underneath your front seat?
-
But them cheap shits, they only ran on dry cell batteries.
-
A truly dry cell produces very little power and has an extremely short lifespan; otherwise, it is very inefficient for its size and mass.
Blog text (5) -
Service calls brought workers directly into private homes, where they could openly attest to their faith: "We check the dry cell and battery and the aerial and ground wires and then have a conversation about spiritual things."
Academic text (2007) -
The Radio Circle utilized several different set types, ranging from crystal earphone receivers to a wide variety of sets with loudspeakers, including AC/DC electric, dry cell battery, and wired public address (PA) systems.
Academic text (2007) -
You can easily find dry cell batteries at any convenience store for your portable radio.
Synonyms
691
2.9
A device that produces electricity to power machines and tools
148
3.9
A small device inside a battery that makes electricity
1
2.7
A small dry power source that runs a flashlight
A small source of electricity used in devices like radios or flashlights that has no liquid
Antonyms
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'dry' (not liquid) modifies 'cell' (an electrical battery unit), indicating a battery whose electrolyte is not a free liquid. This adjective+noun pattern is regular in English and mirrored in many languages (e.g., Spanish 'pila seca'), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will likely infer the correct meaning.
Etymology
Dry cell is named for how the power unit is made: the dry part is a thick, moist paste rather than a running liquid, and the cell is the small container that holds it. So, dry cell today means a small, portable 'battery' that is safer and easier to carry.