magneto
noun
mag·ne·to
mag-ˈnē-(ˌ)tō 
plural magnetos
: a magnetoelectric machine
especially
: an alternator with permanent magnets used to generate current for the ignition in an internal combustion engine
Examples of magneto in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That jog down memory lane led me to read about a different type of magnetic-field sensor that also relies on such alloys: something called a magneto-inductive magnetometer, which appears to have first been commercialized around 2010.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 26 Apr. 2022
Accompanying the car is the vendor's own coil ignition system, which can be carried as a spare and in case of emergency fitted to replace the magneto in around five minutes.
—Josh Max, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2021
To learn more about how magneto-location works for the dogs, the study authors will begin a new experiment placing magnets on the dogs’ collars to find out if this disrupts their navigational skills.
—Courtney Sexton, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 July 2020
However, there are also materials that will only change polarization in the presence of a magnetic field, called magneto-optic materials.
—Chris Lee, Ars Technica, 29 Apr. 2020
From there, the engine's magneto acts as a generator, charging a lightweight ultra-capacitor in two minutes after a cold start.
—David Beard, Car and Driver, 14 Feb. 2020
Weisser whipped out a heat gun and melted the filings into the wax paper, and presto: magneto-art.
—Eliza Strickland, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2010
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IEEE Spectrum, 26 Apr. 2022
Accompanying the car is the vendor's own coil ignition system, which can be carried as a spare and in case of emergency fitted to replace the magneto in around five minutes.
—Josh Max, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2021
To learn more about how magneto-location works for the dogs, the study authors will begin a new experiment placing magnets on the dogs’ collars to find out if this disrupts their navigational skills.
—Courtney Sexton, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 July 2020
However, there are also materials that will only change polarization in the presence of a magnetic field, called magneto-optic materials.
—Chris Lee, Ars Technica, 29 Apr. 2020
From there, the engine's magneto acts as a generator, charging a lightweight ultra-capacitor in two minutes after a cold start.
—David Beard, Car and Driver, 14 Feb. 2020
Weisser whipped out a heat gun and melted the filings into the wax paper, and presto: magneto-art.
—Eliza Strickland, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2010
Cite this Entry
“Magneto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magneto. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
magneto
noun
mag·ne·to
mag-ˈnēt-ō
plural magnetos
: a small electric generator using permanent magnets
especially
: one used to produce sparks in an internal-combustion engine
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