Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Used of a radio receiver that is adaptable to all voltages: Describes an electrical device, typically a radio, designed to operate on any standard mains voltage supply without modification.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • This vintage radio is an all-mains model, so it will work safely in both Europe and North America.
  • The advantage of an all-mains set is its versatility for international travel.

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively technical and historical, primarily describing radios or similar electronic equipment from the mid-20th century. It emphasizes the device's built-in capability to handle different electrical grid standards (e.g., 110V/60Hz and 230V/50Hz).

Variants and Related Words

• Mains (n): The primary electrical power supply delivered to a building. Often used in British English (e.g., "mains electricity," "plug it into the mains").
• Universal input (n): A more modern technical term for a power supply designed to accept a wide range of AC voltages automatically.

Synonyms

• Multi-voltage: Accepting multiple input voltages.
• Voltage-adaptive: Capable of adapting to different voltages.

Notes on Usage

• The term all-mains is considered dated. In contemporary language, features like "universal voltage," "dual voltage," or "auto-switching" are more commonly used to describe modern adapters, chargers, and electronics.
• It functions as a compound adjective and is typically hyphenated, especially when placed before a noun (e.g., an all-mains radio).

Adjective

1. used of a radio receiver that is adaptable to all voltages
   • an all-mains set