Definition

1. Noun:
   • A voltaic battery consisting of two or more dry cells: A "dry battery" is a power source composed of multiple individual dry cells combined to provide a higher voltage or current than a single cell. Unlike wet cells, it contains an electrolyte in a paste or absorbent material, making it less prone to leakage and portable.

Usage

• A "dry battery" is used as a portable, self-contained power source for devices like flashlights, radios, and toys. It is not rechargeable and is disposed of after use. The term is often used to distinguish it from single-use "dry cells" (like AA batteries) or rechargeable/wet cell batteries.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The old radio required a large 9-volt dry battery to operate.
  • We replaced the dry battery in the flashlight because it had run out of power.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In technical specifications, a "dry battery" may refer to a specific assembly of dry cells, such as those used in some scientific instruments or vintage equipment.
  • The geiger counter was powered by a specialized dry battery pack.

Variants and Related Words

• Dry cell (n): A single electrochemical cell with a paste electrolyte, which is the basic unit of a dry battery.
  • A standard AA battery is a common type of dry cell.
• Battery pack (n): A set of any type of batteries (which may include dry cells) combined into a single unit.
  • The cordless drill uses a rechargeable battery pack, not a dry battery.

Synonyms

• Primary battery: A non-rechargeable battery, which includes dry batteries.
• Galvanic battery: A more technical term for a battery that produces electrical energy from chemical reactions.

Related Phrases

• "To run on dry batteries": To be powered by dry batteries.
  • This device is designed to run on dry batteries for maximum portability.

Noun

1. a voltaic battery consisting of two or more dry cells