Main Entry: bat·tery

Pronunciation: \ˈba-t(ə-)rē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural bat·ter·ies

Etymology: Anglo-French baterie, from batre to beat, from Latin battuere

Date: 1531

1 a : the act of battering or beating b : an offensive touching or use of force on a person without the person's consent — compare assault 2a
2 [Middle French batterie, from battre to beat] a : a grouping of artillery pieces for tactical purposes b : the guns of a warship
3 : an artillery unit in the army equivalent to a company
4 a : a combination of apparatus for producing a single electrical effect b : a group of two or more cells connected together to furnish electric current; also : a single cell that furnishes electric current <a flashlight battery> c plural : level of energy or enthusiasm <needs a vacation to recharge her batteries>
5 a : a number of similar articles, items, or devices arranged, connected, or used together : set, series <a battery of tests> b : a usually impressive or imposing group : array
6 : the position of readiness of a gun for firing
7 : the pitcher and catcher of a baseball team