Definition

Noun: 1. An electrical device that transfers electrical energy between circuits through electromagnetic induction: A transformer is a static device that changes the alternating current (AC) voltage level from one value to another (higher or lower) without changing the frequency. It is a fundamental component in electrical power transmission and distribution systems.

Usage

• Transformers are essential for efficiently transmitting electricity over long distances. High-voltage electricity is sent through power lines, and then local transformers reduce the voltage to safer, usable levels for homes and businesses.
• They are also used in many electronic devices (like chargers and power supplies) to convert the mains voltage to the lower voltage required by the device's internal circuits.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The electricity from the power plant passes through a transformer to increase the voltage for transmission.
  • The humming sound near the electrical substation comes from the large power transformer.
  • My laptop charger contains a small transformer that converts 120V AC to 19V DC.

Advanced Usage

• Step-up transformer: A transformer that increases the voltage from the primary winding to the secondary winding.
  • Step-up transformers are used at power generation stations.
• Step-down transformer: A transformer that decreases the voltage from the primary winding to the secondary winding.
  • The gray box on the utility pole is a step-down transformer for the neighborhood.

Variants and Related Words

• Transform (verb): To change in form, appearance, or structure; to convert.
  • The renovation will transform the old building into a modern apartment complex.
• Transformation (noun): A thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.
  • The city underwent a rapid transformation.

Synonyms

• Converter (specifically in electrical contexts)
• Inductor (in a broader, more technical sense, as a transformer is a type of coupled inductor)

Related Phrases / Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms using "transformer" as the exact target word. The term is highly technical.)

Noun

1. an electrical device by which alternating current of one voltage is changed to another voltage