Battery

/ˈbætəri/

nounBeginnerVery CommonTechnology

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells that convert chemical energy into electrical energy.

/ˈbætəri/

nounneutralBeginner
Technology

A device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy

I need a new battery for my remote control.

💡 Simply: Something that gives power to devices.

More Examples

2

The car battery died in the cold weather.

How It's Used

Electronics

"My phone's battery is almost dead."

Automotive

"The car battery needs to be replaced."

2

A group of similar things, often arranged in a specific way.

/ˈbætəri/

nounneutralIntermediate
General

A set of similar things or people

A battery of tests were conducted.

💡 Simply: A collection of similar items.

How It's Used

Military

"The artillery battery opened fire."

Tip:Think of a battery as a group of things that work together.

Idioms & expressions

run down the battery

To use up the energy of a battery.

"We ran down the battery playing games all day."

From French *batterie*, from Old Italian *batteria*, from *battere* "to beat," ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *bʰedh- "to strike, hit." Originally referred to a military formation, then later to a collection of similar things, and finally to the electrochemical device.

The original meaning relating to military formations predates its modern use. The shift in meaning to an electrochemical device occurred in the 19th century.

Memory tip

Think of it as a 'battalion' of tiny cells working together to power something.

Base: battery
baterybattrybattere

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written