magneto

19 9.3

A small machine that uses magnets to make a strong spark to start an engine

noun
/mæɡˈniːtoʊ/

Specialized

: magneto

Rewritable optical drives are based on either magneto-optical (MO) or phase-change technologies.
magneto-optical drive
magneto-optical disk
magneto-optical recording

Examples

For example, at the time of this writing, a 1.3GB magneto-optical drive had a street price of about $1,400.

Academic text (1996)
As of the writing of this paper, all magneto-optical drives use fixed-block architecture and embossed headers.

Academic text (1996)
I had to steal a spare magneto.

The Great Race (1965)
The left and right magnetos are geared into the engine and they generate their own voltage.
The technician replaced the faulty magneto to ensure the engine would start properly.
A reliable magneto is crucial for providing the necessary spark in older aircraft engines.
During the inspection, he noted that the magneto was producing a weak voltage, which needed attention.

Synonyms

magnetoelectric machine

vsmagneto

Specialized

9.9

A small electrical generator that makes high voltage for spark plugs in a car engine

uses permanent magnets rather than a coil to generate the high voltage for ignition

Compounds

magneto-dynamic microphone

Specialized

5.6

A device that uses a magnet and a wire coil to change sound into an electric signal

magneto-optical disc

Archaic

8.0

A disc you can erase and write many times using light and magnets to store data

Surface Forms

magneto singular

magnetos plural

Morphology

magneto = magnet (transparent) = magnet + o

The word is clearly derived from 'magnet' with an instrument-forming '-o', so the device meaning is directly inferable from the base.

Etymology

The word magneto comes from magnet, the same root as magnetism, which is about things that 'attract' iron. A magneto is a small machine that uses magnets to 'make' a strong electric spark for engines, so the name tells you it creates electricity with magnets.