Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
electrolytic condenser

electrolytic condenser

7.6
A fixed device that stores electrical energy using a liquid between two metal plates with positive and negative sides
  • noun
  • /ɪˌlɛk.trəˈlɪt.ɪk kənˈdɛn.sər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : condensador electrolítico
  • Ensure that the polarity is correct when installing an electrolytic condenser in a power supply.

Examples

  • The circuit diagram shows an electrolytic condenser as the main component for energy storage.

  • Early radios often used an electrolytic condenser to filter out electrical noise.

  • The electrolytic condenser is essential in many electronic devices.

  • Many electrolytic condensers are found in audio equipment.

  • Early radios often used an electrolytic condenser to filter out electrical noise.

  • Ensure that the polarity is correct when installing an electrolytic condenser in a power supply.

  • The circuit diagram shows an electrolytic condenser as the main component for energy storage.

Synonyms

capacitor
vselectrolytic condenser
  • Specialized
24 6.3

A small electrical part that stores and releases energy in a circuit

is the specific electrolyte design rather than the general component
condenser
vselectrolytic condenser
  • Archaic
1 5.9

A part that stores electric charge in a circuit

is the version that uses an electrolyte between electrodes instead of an insulator
electrolytic capacitor
vselectrolytic condenser
  • Specialized
5.7

An electrical part used in electronic circuits that stores electricity using a liquid between metal plates

is the same device but named with an older alternative term
electrolytic
vselectrolytic condenser
  • Specialized
8.0

A small electrical part that stores electric charge using a liquid between metal plates

is the fixed named form referring to that same device type
electrical condenser
vselectrolytic condenser
  • Archaic
5.2

A device that stores electric charge to give out later

is the modern name that specifies the electrolyte design

Surface Forms

electrolytic condenser singular
electrolytic condensers plural

Morphology

electrolytic + condenser

The phrase is a straightforward adjective-noun combination: an electrolytic (involving an electrolyte/electrolysis) condenser (a charge-storing electrical component), so its meaning is compositionally derivable from the parts. Although technical, a B1 learner who knows both constituent meanings can infer it refers to a type of capacitor that uses an electrolyte, so it is transparent.

Etymology

Electrolytic condenser is named for how it is made: electrolytic means there is a liquid between metal plates, and condenser is an old word for a device that 'stores' electric charge. So, the name points to a fixed circuit part that uses a liquid to help hold electricity and must be put with the correct positive and negative sides.