Definition
n. a device that changes direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity. You often see these in solar power systems or on boats to run normal appliances.
n. an electronic device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Commonly used in renewable energy systems to interface with the standard power grid or to power household appliances from a battery.
Examples
“The solar panel uses an inverter to power the lights.”
“After the storm knocked out the power, the backup inverter provided enough electricity to keep the refrigerator running.”
“Modern photovoltaic systems require a high-efficiency inverter to ensure that the maximum amount of energy harvested from the sun is converted into usable alternating current for the home.”
Examples
simple
“The solar panel uses an inverter to power the lights.”
contextual
“After the storm knocked out the power, the backup inverter provided enough electricity to keep the refrigerator running.”
complex
“Modern photovoltaic systems require a high-efficiency inverter to ensure that the maximum amount of energy harvested from the sun is converted into usable alternating current for the home.”
Etymology
From invert + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/inverter
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0