Meaning & use
alternator
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
a device that produces alternating current, especially one in a vehicle that charges the battery while the engine runs
Grammar: Countable: a car has one alternator, but a garage may stock many alternators.
Patterns
- the alternator charges the battery
- a faulty alternator
- replace the alternator
The mechanic said the alternator was not charging the battery properly.
If your headlights dim while driving, the alternator might be failing.
He replaced the alternator himself to save money.
Word forms
| plural | alternators |
|---|
Common combinations
- car alternator
- The car alternator needs to be tested.
- alternator belt
- A squealing noise often means the alternator belt is loose.
- alternator failure
- Alternator failure can leave you stranded with a dead battery.
Synonyms and how they differ
- generator
- A generator produces electricity, often direct current; an alternator specifically produces alternating current and is commonly used in vehicles.
Word family
- alternate verb
- to happen in turn or repeatedly change from one to another
- alternating adjective
- happening in turns or changing repeatedly
Commonly confused: alternator or battery?
alternator vs battery
The battery stores electricity for starting the car; the alternator generates electricity to keep the battery charged while the engine runs.
Practice
The car's battery keeps dying because the ______ isn't charging it.
Choose one answer.
The alternator charges the battery; the accelerator controls speed, the radiator cools the engine, and the carburetor mixes fuel and air.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “alternator”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.