fuel cell

noun

: a device that continuously changes the chemical energy of a fuel (such as hydrogen) and an oxidant directly into electrical energy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Seventy-two models (battery, plug-in hybrid, fuel cell) are currently on the market with more launching later this year and next. Morgan Korn, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2022 The first commercial maritime vessel in the United States powered entirely by hydrogen fuel cell technology has arrived in San Francisco and will take passengers for rides in late spring. David Meyer, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2023 The fuel cell electric ferry is a pilot project meant to demonstrate another zero-emissions alternative for passenger ferries and the larger shipping industry, which at almost 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, has a bigger carbon footprint than air transportation. Tara Duggan, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 Mar. 2023 Functional headlights and taillights replace the imitation stickers normally plastered onto the stock car bodywork, and the team also fit a larger 32-gallon fuel cell and carbon brake discs. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 17 Feb. 2023 Rich Products’ site is across Myrtle Street from the old Stanley Works hardware factory complex, which has largely been demolished as the city waits for redevelopment by EIP LLC, a company that has been promising a $1 billion fuel cell and data center project. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 20 Sep. 2022 When completed the hydrogen fuel system is expected to accommodate as many as 50 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2022 Plug-in hybrid and battery EVs must be built by qualified manufacturers, although that requirement doesn't apply to a hydrogen fuel cell EV. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 31 Mar. 2023 The agency expects the new standards and government investment will lead to zero-emissions electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks carrying most of the nation’s freight. Sophie Austin, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fuel cell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fuel cell was in 1922

Dictionary Entries Near fuel cell

Cite this Entry

“Fuel cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuel%20cell. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

fuel cell

noun
: a device that continuously changes the chemical energy of a fuel (as hydrogen) into electrical energy

More from Merriam-Webster on fuel cell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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