nickel-cadmium accumulator
A technician installs a nickel-cadmium accumulator into an emergency light fixture.
Noun: A nickel-cadmium accumulator is a type of rechargeable battery that uses nickel oxide hydroxide for its positive electrode (cathode) and metallic cadmium for its negative electrode (anode). It is known for its ability to be recharged many times and for its relatively low self-discharge rate, meaning it loses its charge slowly when not in use.
This term refers specifically to the electrochemical storage cell itself. It is often used in technical, engineering, and industrial contexts. * The backup power system relies on a nickel-cadmium accumulator. * Compared to lead-acid batteries, a nickel-cadmium accumulator can tolerate deeper discharge cycles.
- Many older cordless power tools were powered by a nickel-cadmium accumulator.
- The reliability of the nickel-cadmium accumulator made it a standard for emergency lighting in aircraft.
- Proper disposal of a spent nickel-cadmium accumulator is important due to the toxic cadmium content.
- Technical Specification: The term is precise and used in datasheets, specifications, and technical manuals to distinguish this chemistry from others like nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or lithium-ion.
- The device's specifications list a 9.6V, 1.2Ah nickel-cadmium accumulator as the power source.
- NiCd battery (Noun): A very common abbreviated form and synonym for "nickel-cadmium accumulator." This is the most frequent term in general use.
- NiCad (Noun/Trademark): A common informal spelling and trademarked variant of "NiCd."
- Rechargeable battery (Noun): The general category to which the nickel-cadmium accumulator belongs.
- Secondary cell (Noun): The technical term for any rechargeable battery or accumulator.
- NiCd battery
- NiCad battery
- Cadmium-nickel battery (less common)
The core meaning is fixed to the specific battery chemistry. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses. Its key distinguishing features in usage are its rechargeability, specific chemical composition (nickel and cadmium), and its historical application in systems requiring reliable, ready power (e.g., emergency systems, aviation, certain portable tools).
A technician installs a nickel-cadmium accumulator into an emergency light fixture.
- a rechargeable battery with a nickel cathode and a cadmium anode; often used in emergency systems because of its low discharge rate when not in use