battery
noun (countable)
UK/ˈbæt.ər.i/US/ˈbæt̬.ɚ.i/
A device that stores and supplies electrical energy to power electronic devices; can also refer to a group of artillery pieces operated together, or in legal terms, the crime of unlawful physical contact (as in 'assault and battery').
Example Sentences
My phone battery died right in the middle of our conversation.
The remote control needs a fresh pair of batteries before it will work again.
In modern electric vehicles, the performance and longevity of the battery play a crucial role in determining driving range and overall reliability.
She replaced the old battery in her smoke alarm to ensure it could alert her family in case of an emergency.
The artillery battery launched a synchronized strike during the military exercise, demonstrating the unit’s precision and firepower.
From smartphones and laptops to electric toothbrushes, countless devices rely on rechargeable batteries as a core power source.
A significant breakthrough in battery technology, especially one that drastically reduces charging time or increases capacity, could revolutionize everything from personal electronics to large-scale energy storage solutions.
In legal contexts, 'battery' refers to the intentional, unlawful physical contact with another person, distinguishing it from the broader offense of assault and underscoring the seriousness of such direct harm.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A device that stores and provides electrical energy, or a group acting collectively.“Battery” is a versatile term with different meanings in distinct contexts. Most commonly, it refers to a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy, powering electronics such as phones, laptops, or cars. These batteries often come in various shapes and sizes—like AA cells, lithium-ion packs, and car batteries—and they feature terminals for connecting to devices. You might say, “The phone’s battery is running low,” or “We need a new battery for the smoke alarm.” In broader electrical usage, “battery” can also describe a set of connected units generating or storing electric power. Outside of electrical contexts, “battery” sometimes refers to a group of similar items functioning in concert. In an archaic or military sense, a “battery” can be a group of artillery pieces deployed together. In baseball, “battery” is a term that collectively refers to the pitcher and catcher. When used metaphorically, it can convey the idea of multiple forces combined for a singular purpose, such as “a battery of tests” meaning a series of examinations. While these uses vary widely, they all share the sense of multiple components or energies aligned toward a common function or effect. In conversation, context generally makes the meaning clear—talk of charging or devices signals the electrical sense, while references to testing or teamwork might point to a more figurative or specialized usage.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid repeating “battery” or need to clarify its meaning, consider the context. In the realm of power sources, you might say “power cell,” “energy pack,” or “energy storage device,” though these sound more technical. For a series of items or tests, “array,” “range,” or “series” can substitute if you want a more general term. In baseball, you could specify “pitcher-catcher duo” instead of “battery.” If discussing artillery, you can say “artillery unit” or “artillery emplacement.” Each alternative shifts the nuance slightly. For instance, “power cell” focuses on the device’s energy function, while “array” and “series” highlight the idea of multiple components. Choosing the word depends on whether you need a technical label, a more formal or general description, or a specialized term for sports or military contexts. If you just wish to reiterate the concept of “battery” without using the same word, pairing synonyms with clear descriptors—like “the set of electric power cells”—helps maintain clarity.
Writing
When writing about “battery,” specify its function and form to avoid ambiguity. If discussing an electronic device, you might note the type or capacity—for instance, “a lithium-ion battery with a 3,000mAh capacity” clarifies both the chemistry and the energy content. If your context involves a group of similar items or forces, like “a battery of legal questions,” offer a quick explanation of why they’re grouped. Including details about battery care (charging practices, disposal methods, or lifespan) can be informative if you’re providing a how-to guide or an article on consumer electronics. In technical documents, mention voltage, current ratings, or safety considerations—like “This device requires a 9V battery,” or “Always recycle dead batteries at approved facilities.” If you explore the metaphorical or historical usages—like the military origin of “battery” or its baseball meaning—add context around how it transitioned from an array of cannons to describing a sports duo. By matching the term “battery” to each specific situation—electronics, heavy artillery, baseball, or group test scenarios—you ensure readers understand exactly which sense you mean.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “battery” usually comes up around phones, appliances, or other gadgets that need power. You might say, “My phone’s battery dies too quickly,” or “Remember to charge your battery before the trip.” When discussing household tasks, you might mention, “We need more AA batteries for the remote,” or “Don’t forget to recycle old batteries responsibly.” If someone’s car won’t start, you might suspect a dead battery: “Try jumping the battery—maybe it just needs a boost.” In casual sports talk, you might offhandedly say, “They have a great battery with that ace pitcher and star catcher,” though this usage is more common among dedicated baseball fans. Meanwhile, referring to a “battery of tests” might pop up in conversation around medical checkups or standardized exams—“The doctor ordered a whole battery of blood tests.” Generally, people intuitively understand “battery” to mean power source, but if context suggests otherwise—like baseball or exams—a few extra words help clarify.
Etymology
The word “battery” originates from Old French “batterie,” derived from “battre,” meaning “to beat or strike.” Historically, it described a group of artillery pieces working in unison to bombard targets—hence the notion of multiple units operating together. Over time, “battery” evolved to cover various groupings or coordinated actions, such as legal or scientific tests. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the term was applied to electrical devices, aligning with the idea of multiple cells or plates working together to produce and store electricity. This shift began with early inventions that harnessed electrochemical reactions—like Alessandro Volta’s “voltaic pile,” which was an early form of battery. Thus, “battery” now commonly denotes a compact energy source used in electronics, while still retaining its original sense of a collection of things acting in concert (e.g., artillery, test series, or the baseball pitcher-catcher duo). The word’s roots in “to beat” or “to strike” might seem distant from modern electronics, but that historical link underscores “battery” as a concept of combined power or force.
