a small electric generator in which the magnetic field is produced by a permanent magnet, esp one for providing the spark in an internal-combustion engine
Word origin
C19: short for magnetoelectric generator
magneto- in British English
combining form
indicating magnetism or magnetic properties
magnetosphere
magneto in American English
(mægˈnitoʊ)
nounWord forms: pluralmagˈnetos
an electric generator in which one or more permanent magnets produce the magneticfield; esp., a small machine of this sort connected with and run by an internal-combustion engine, used to generate the electric current providing a spark for the ignition
Word origin
see magnet
magneto- in American English
(mægˈnitoʊ; mægˈnitə; mægˈnɛtoʊ; mægnɛtə)
1.
magnetism, magnetic force
magnetometer
2.
magnetoelectric
magnetohydrodynamics
Word origin
see magnet
magneto- in American English
prefix
a combining form representing magnetic or magnetism in compound words
magnetochemistry
Also (esp before a vowel): magnet-
Examples of 'magneto' in a sentence
magneto
Beth Louwsma pushed the steel door open after the magneto released the lock.