Word
power unit
Countable noun
Definition
compound. a piece of equipment that provides electricity or energy to a machine. You often find these inside computers or as part of a car's engine system.
compound. a component or assembly that provides the necessary energy to drive a mechanical or electronic system. In automotive contexts, it often refers to the combination of the engine, transmission, and energy recovery systems.
Examples
“The computer will not turn on because the power unit is broken.”
“Modern racing cars use a complex power unit that combines a traditional engine with electric motors to increase efficiency.”
“Engineers spent months refining the power unit to ensure it could withstand the extreme thermal stresses of long-distance flight without losing efficiency.”
Examples
simple
“The computer will not turn on because the power unit is broken.”
contextual
“Modern racing cars use a complex power unit that combines a traditional engine with electric motors to increase efficiency.”
complex
“Engineers spent months refining the power unit to ensure it could withstand the extreme thermal stresses of long-distance flight without losing efficiency.”
Usage
Often used in technical or industrial contexts to describe a modular energy source.
Real-World Examples
“Currently, the hybrid power units are balanced around 50% combustion power and 50% electric, but these revisions would shift that ratio to approximately 60-40, promoting more aggressive racing and reducing the need for energy management.” “Formula One embarked on a new engine era this season, with the power units now split roughly 50-50 between electric and combustion power and using fully sustainable fuel.” “The philosophy of F1 operating with a cutting-edge hybrid power unit, some distance ahead of the technology on the road remains, but the architecture of that power unit is changing to make it more road-relevant, while also pushing the limits of what the hybrid part of the hybrid power unit is capable of delivering.” “It’s called a power unit now because the engine is just one component of it — there’s a fantastic amount of extra work and technology that goes into the Mercedes cars’ electric power subsystem.” Etymology
A compound noun formed from 'power', originating from Old French 'poeir', and 'unit', from the Latin 'unus' meaning one. The term became common in the 20th century as engineering required a collective name for complex energy-generating assemblies.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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