megavolt

megavolt

A scientist carefully adjusts a megavolt generator in the laboratory.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Unit of electrical potential: "megavolt" is a unit of electromotive force or electric potential equal to one million volts. It is commonly used in contexts involving high-voltage power transmission, particle accelerators, or lightning.
Usage Examples
  • (A very high electrical potential for long-distance transmission.)
  • (A machine that generates one million volts for research.)
Advanced Usage
  • "megavolt range": refers to voltages measured in millions of volts.

    • Lightning strikes can produce voltages in the megavolt range. (The electrical discharge of lightning often exceeds one million volts.)
  • "megavolt-ampere" (MVA): a unit of apparent power in electrical systems, combining voltage and current.

    • The transformer is rated at 100 megavolt-amperes. (It can handle 100 million volt-amperes of power.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Megavoltage (n): the level or magnitude of voltage measured in megavolts.

    • The megavoltage of the X-ray machine is calibrated for medical imaging. (The voltage level is set in millions of volts.)
  • Megavoltmeter (n): an instrument for measuring voltages in the megavolt range.

    • The technician used a megavoltmeter to check the high-voltage line. (A device designed for measuring millions of volts.)
Synonyms
  • Million volts: a direct equivalent (e.g., ).
  • High voltage: a broader term for electrical potential above typical levels (often used for voltages in the kilovolt or megavolt range).
Related Idioms
  • No common idioms: "megavolt" is a technical term and does not appear in everyday idiomatic expressions. It is primarily used in scientific and engineering contexts.