fuel cell

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fuel cell

A fuel cell powers the electric motor in a modern car.

Definition

Noun: A fuel cell is a device that generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction, typically using hydrogen and oxygen as fuel. Unlike a battery, it does not store energy but produces it continuously as long as fuel is supplied.

Usage

A fuel cell is a singular, countable noun. It refers to the specific electrochemical device. * The fuel cell in the prototype vehicle is highly efficient. * This technology relies on a hydrogen fuel cell.

Examples
  • The bus is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
  • A major advantage of the fuel cell is that its only byproduct is water.
  • Researchers are working to reduce the cost of the fuel cell.
Advanced Usage
  • Fuel cell technology: This refers to the broader field of engineering and science related to fuel cells.
    • Advances in fuel cell technology could revolutionize clean energy.
  • Fuel cell stack: Multiple individual fuel cells combined to increase power output.
    • The car's power comes from a fuel cell stack located under the floor.
Variants and Related Words
  • Fuel-cell (adjective): Used as a modifier to describe something related to or powered by a fuel cell.
    • The company unveiled a new fuel-cell powertrain.
    • They are building a fuel-cell power plant.
Synonyms
  • Electrochemical cell: A more general technical term.
  • Power cell: A less specific term sometimes used interchangeably in certain contexts.
Different Meanings

The term fuel cell has a specific, technical meaning in engineering and energy contexts. It does not have other common, unrelated definitions. It should not be confused with a fuel tank (which stores fuel) or a battery (which stores electrical energy).

Idioms / Phrases

There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs using the term fuel cell. It is a technical compound noun.

fuel cell

A fuel cell powers the electric motor in a modern car.

Noun
  1. cell that produces electricity by oxidation of fuel (hydrogen and oxygen or zinc and air); often used in electric cars