transformer

noun

trans·form·er tran(t)s-ˈfȯr-mər

: one that transforms

specifically : a device employing the principle of mutual induction to convert variations of current in a primary circuit into variations of voltage and current in a secondary circuit

Examples of transformer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In security footage shared by the San Jose Police Department, a man can be seen planting a device near a transformer, which then explodes as the person rides away on a bicycle. —

Christian Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2023 Changes in Earth’s magnetic field would likely damage electrical transformers all over the world, causing months-long blackouts. —

Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 10 Oct. 2023 While investigating the outage, crew members from Jersey Central Power & Light found the culprit: a fish atop a transformer on a power pole in a residential area. —

Praveena Somasundaram, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2023 The transformer appeared to burn for several minutes before causing a large explosion. —

CBS News, 30 Oct. 2023 Advertisement Previous owner Peter Karasev, 35, was arrested in March on suspicion of blowing up the transformers after an investigation by San Jose police. —

Christian Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2023 Jenny and Marvin Lorge owned a company that made transformers, with dozens of employees and their son, Jim, being groomed to inherit the business his father had started in the family basement. —

Photographs Todd Heisler, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2023 Utilities also need to upgrade local infrastructure in cities, such as transformers and distribution lines, to handle an influx of power demand from electric vehicle charging stations. —

Brad Plumer, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2023 The bullet pierced the cooling fins of the transformer, as intended, causing mineral oil to gush onto the sagebrush. —

Christopher Ketcham, Harper's Magazine, 16 Oct. 2023 See More

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