field winding: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical
Quick answer
What does “field winding” mean?
The insulated wire coil in an electric motor or generator that produces the main magnetic field when current flows through it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The insulated wire coil in an electric motor or generator that produces the main magnetic field when current flows through it.
By analogy, it can refer to the foundational or essential component that establishes the primary operating condition for a system, similar to how it creates the necessary magnetic field for electromechanical conversion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions for related terms (e.g., 'armour' vs. 'armor' for shielding) may apply in broader descriptions.
Connotations
Purely technical and denotative in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to technical domains.
Grammar
How to Use “field winding” in a Sentence
The field winding [verb: is energized / has failed / requires testing].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in engineering textbooks, research papers, and technical manuals on electrical machines.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context. Refers to a critical component in the design, maintenance, and fault diagnosis of motors and generators.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “field winding”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “field winding”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “field winding”
- Using 'field windings' as a singular verb (e.g., 'It field windings'). It is only a compound noun.
- Confusing it with 'armature winding', which is the other main coil in the machine.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, these terms are generally synonymous in technical contexts.
Some modern motors (like permanent magnet motors) use permanent magnets instead of a wound field. However, in traditional wound-field machines, the field winding is essential.
The motor or generator will fail to produce the necessary magnetic field, leading to a loss of torque (motor) or generated voltage (generator).
It is most commonly associated with DC machines. In AC synchronous machines, the analogous part is typically called the 'rotor winding' or 'excitation winding'.
The insulated wire coil in an electric motor or generator that produces the main magnetic field when current flows through it.
Field winding is usually technical in register.
Field winding: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfiːld ˌwaɪndɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfild ˌwaɪndɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FIELD of magnetic force created by WINDING wire around a core.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SOURCE OF POTENTIAL. The field winding is the component that creates the foundational condition (magnetic field) enabling the machine's core function, much like a rulebook creates the framework for a game.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a field winding?