electric cell
- noun
- /ɪˈlɛktrɪk sɛl/
:
célula eléctrica
- An electric cell generates power through chemical reactions.
Examples
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The chemistry class demonstrated how an electric cell generates electricity through a reaction.
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A single electric cell can power a small flashlight for several hours.
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He replaced the exhausted electric cell in his handheld radio.
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Many electric cells are used in batteries.
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The flashlight uses several electric cells to produce light during a power outage.
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Electric cars rely on electric cells to store energy for their motors.
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Scientists are researching new types of electric cells that can generate power more efficiently.
Synonyms
148
3.9
A small device inside a battery that makes electricity
32
4.5
A device that makes electricity from hydrogen and oxygen
A device that makes electricity when chemicals react and cannot be recharged
A device that makes electricity from a reaction between two metals and cannot be charged again
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'electric' (relating to electrical power) + 'cell' (a unit/device), so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a unit/device that produces or involves electricity. This adjective + noun composition follows a transparent, cross-linguistically common pattern, making the MWE immediately understandable to a B1 learner.
Etymology
Electric cell uses cell in the old sense of a small 'cell' or container, so picture a tiny box where chemicals react to make electricity. That's why an electric cell is one small unit that produces electricity.