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Glite Dictionary
piezo effect

piezo effect

9.8
An electric charge some crystals like quartz make when pressed or their change in shape when given electricity
  • noun
  • /ˈpiːɛzoʊ ɪˈfɛkt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : efecto piezoeléctrico
  • Certain microphones rely on the piezo effect to convert sound vibrations into electrical signals.

Examples

  • Quartz watches keep accurate time thanks to the piezo effect in their tiny crystals.

  • The piezo effect is used in lighters to generate a spark without batteries.

  • The piezo effect is crucial in many electronic devices.

  • Can you explain the piezo effect?

  • Certain microphones rely on the piezo effect to convert sound vibrations into electrical signals.

  • Quartz watches keep accurate time thanks to the piezo effect in their tiny crystals.

  • The piezo effect is used in lighters to generate a spark without batteries.

Synonyms

piezoelectric effect
vspiezo effect
  • Specialized
1 8.8

A feature of some crystals that makes electricity when pressed or makes them change shape when charged

is the shorter, more informal label for the same phenomenon
piezoelectricity
vspiezo effect
  • Specialized
9.9

Crystals make electricity when squeezed or when an electric field makes them change shape

highlights the two-way physical process including shape change not just output

Surface Forms

piezo effect singular
piezo effects plural

Morphology

piezo + effect

The compound combines 'piezo' (denoting pressure-related electrical generation) with 'effect' (a change produced), so the meaning — electrical charge generation or deformation under mechanical pressure/electric field — is directly derivable from the parts. Although 'piezo' is a technical, Greek-derived element, if a learner knows that constituent, the overall term is compositional and therefore transparent.

Etymology

Piezo effect comes from the Greek word piezo, which means 'to press'. The name creates a simple picture: certain crystals make an electric charge when you press or bend them, and they can also bend when you give them electricity, so the phrase now means 'electricity produced by pressure'.