primary cell
1
5.6
- noun
- /ˈpraɪˌmɛri sɛl/
- Specialized
:
celda primaria
- Many toys require a primary cell to operate, which cannot be recharged once used.
Examples
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According to the ENCODE discussion on Reddit, besides one type of primary cells, they only worked with cell lines (see the list at http: **25;4940;TOOLONG), many of which are virally transformed or are known to carry chromosomal aberrations.
Blog text (32) -
If the charging is applied to an ordinary alkaline battery (primary cell), an internal short between the anode and cathode may occur, and the hydrogen that is generated might cause an explosion (Sengupta, Megahed, & Ruth, 1994).
Academic text (2007) -
My primary cell was damaged by a plasma attack.
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However, since the late 80s, journals were critical of work on cell lines and instead asked for results obtained with primary cells.
Blog text (32) -
It has been largely replaced by lithium-based primary cells, but as of 2003, there were somewhere between 50 and 100 plutonium-powered pacemakers still implanted and functioning in living patients.
Blog text (5) -
A primary cell is used in many household devices, providing energy until it is depleted.
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When the flashlight stopped working, I realized I needed to replace the primary cell inside.
Synonyms
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
Antonyms
Surface Forms
Morphology
The components 'primary' (first/basic) and 'cell' (an electrical/battery unit) give a learner a general sense that this is a basic or original type of electrical cell, so there is some compositional cue. However, the key property—that it produces electricity via an irreversible chemical reaction and cannot be recharged—is a technical distinction not predictable from the common meanings of the words, so a B1 learner who knows only the constituents is unlikely to infer the non-rechargeable, irreversible nature without exposure.
Etymology
Primary cell combines primary, meaning 'first' or one-time, with cell, a small unit that makes electricity. Because these cells give power by a one-time chemical reaction and cannot be 'recharged', the name came to mean a single-use battery.