commutator

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commutator

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | 2008 | The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright 2008 Columbia University Press. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

commutator device used in an electric generator to convert the alternating current produced in the generator into direct current before the current is sent into an external circuit; it is basically a rotary switching device synchronized with the frequency of the alternating current. Commutators are also used in electric motors to switch currents in order to maintain magnetic polarities necessary to keep the shafts of the motors turning.

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commute

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | 1996 | | © The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology 1996, originally published by Oxford University Press 1996. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

commute †exchange; change for something else. XVII. — L. commūtāre change altogether, exchange, f. COM- + mūtāre change (see MUTATION).
So commutation XV. — (O)F. or L. commuter XIX.

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T. F. HOAD. "commute." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 26 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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commutator

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | © The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English 2009, originally published by Oxford University Press 2009. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

com·mu·ta·tor / ˈkämyəˌtātər/ • n. an attachment, connected to the armature of a motor or generator, through which electrical connection is made and which ensures that the current flows as direct current. ∎  a device for reversing the direction of flow of electric current.

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