Word: Nickel-Cadmium Accumulator
Definition:
A "nickel-cadmium accumulator" is a type of rechargeable battery. It has two important parts: a nickel (which acts like a positive side called the cathode) and cadmium (which acts like the negative side called the anode). This kind of battery is often used in devices that need to work in emergencies because it can hold its charge for a long time without losing much power.
Usage Instructions:
You would use the term "nickel-cadmium accumulator" when talking about batteries, especially in contexts like electronics, emergency systems, or when discussing battery types.
Example Sentence:
"The flashlight uses a nickel-cadmium accumulator, so it can stay charged for weeks without needing a recharge."
Advanced Usage:
In more technical discussions, you might mention the "self-discharge rate" of a nickel-cadmium accumulator, which refers to how slowly it loses its charge when not in use. You could also discuss its "cycle life," meaning how many times it can be charged and discharged before it stops working effectively.
Word Variants:
- Nickel-cadmium battery: This is a more commonly used term that means the same thing. - NiCd battery: This is a shortened form (using the chemical symbols for nickel and cadmium).
Different Meanings:
In everyday conversation, "accumulator" can also refer to any device that gathers or collects something, but in this context, it specifically refers to a type of battery.
Synonyms:
- Rechargeable battery - NiCd battery (short form)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "nickel-cadmium accumulator," but you might hear phrases like "run out of juice," which means a battery is dead or has no charge left.