magneto
n.a small generator that uses magnets to create electricity for a spark. It is usually found in older engines or small machines like lawnmowers to help them start.
n.an electrical generator that employs permanent magnets to produce periodic pulses of alternating current. Primarily used in ignition systems for internal combustion engines to provide high-voltage sparks.
“The old tractor wouldn't start because the magneto was broken.”
“Small engines, such as those on chainsaws and lawnmowers, often rely on a magneto rather than a battery for ignition.”
“Early aircraft engines utilized a dual magneto system to ensure that the spark plugs would continue to fire even if one electrical circuit failed during flight.”
Commonly used in mechanical and historical engineering contexts.
Clipping of magneto-electric (machine).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.