Magneto
/mæɡˈniː.təʊ/noun
A device that generates electrical current, especially for ignition, without an external power source.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to Greek words for the magnetic stone and the region of Magnesia, where naturally magnetic lodestones were associated with a force that seemed almost magical.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Gk
μαγνῆτις λίθος (magnētis lithos)
“the stone from Magnesia; a magnetic lodestone”
Late Latin
Latin
magnes
“lodestone, magnet”
Old French
OF
magnete
“magnet, lodestone”
16th Century
English
magnet
“a stone or object that attracts iron”
19th Century
English
magneto
“a magneto-electric machine or generator, especially for ignition”