stored energy

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   energy that is kept in something and can be released later to do work.

   Grammar: No plural and no article when used generally: 'Stored energy can be released.'

   Patterns

   • stored energy in something
   • release stored energy
   • convert stored energy into something

   A stretched rubber band has stored energy.

   The battery keeps stored energy for later use.

   When the dam opens, the stored energy of the water turns turbines.

2. 2noununcountablebiologytechnical

   in biology, energy from food that an animal or plant keeps for future activity.

   Grammar: Used in technical or school contexts; often followed by 'in the body' or 'in the form of fat'.

   Patterns

   • stored energy in the body
   • stored energy from food

   Animals use stored energy from fat during hibernation.

   Plants turn sunlight into stored energy in their leaves.

Common combinations

stored energy in something

The stored energy in the spring makes the clock run.

release stored energy

The chemical reaction releases stored energy as heat.

convert stored energy into electricity

The power plant converts stored energy into electricity.

a source of stored energy

Fat is a source of stored energy for the body.

Synonyms and how they differ

potential energy

A more technical term for energy due to position or condition; 'stored energy' is the everyday phrase.

reserve energy

Often used for energy kept for later use in living things; less common in physics.

Opposites

Word family

store verb

To keep or put something away for later use.

storage noun

The act or space for keeping things.

Commonly confused: stored energy or energy?

Practice

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