standard cell
- noun
- /ˈstændərd sɛl/
- Specialized
- Researchers often utilize a standard cell in experiments to provide a reliable reference for voltage.
Examples
-
To calibrate the voltmeter, she referenced it against a high-quality standard cell.
-
Nadeer Bros. advertised a pretty standard cell, and the ancient Crossley displayed their "new" oil engines, "suitable for all classes of agricultural work."
Blog text (1) -
The scientist used a standard cell to ensure accurate measurements of the electromotive force.
Synonyms
A stable electrical cell that gives a standard voltage for measuring instruments
A battery used in labs as a standard to measure electric voltage
A type of battery used long ago to give a fixed voltage for scientific measurements
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is compositionally predictable: 'standard' (a benchmark or reference) + 'cell' (an electrochemical unit) directly yields the idea of a cell used as a reference. Although the full technical specifics (primary cell, electromotive force measurements) are specialist, a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer it is a cell serving as a standard or reference.
Etymology
Standard cell comes from labs, where the words standard (something kept as a 'fixed reference') and cell (a small battery) are put together. So a standard cell is a specially made battery kept to give a steady 'voltage' that other instruments are compared to.