inductor
C2Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A passive electrical component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it; also, one who inducts or initiates someone into a position or organization.
Primarily a technical term in electronics and physics. In non-technical contexts, it can refer to a person who formally admits someone to a society or office, though this usage is rare and formal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The overwhelming majority of modern usage is in electrical engineering and physics. The general 'person who inducts' sense is archaic and largely confined to ceremonial or historical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation follow standard regional conventions.
Connotations
Purely technical/neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard in technical fields in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[inductor] + [is/was] + [connected/placed/used] + [in/with/into] + [circuit]The [inductor] [stores/resists/changes]...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually unused, except in companies dealing with electronic components.
Academic
Core term in physics and electrical engineering curricula and papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. A layperson is unlikely to encounter or use this word.
Technical
A fundamental component in circuit theory, filter design, power supplies, and RF engineering.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The system is designed to induce a current.
American English
- The ceremony will induct new members.
adverb
British English
- The voltage increased inductively.
American English
- The circuit is coupled inductively.
adjective
British English
- The inductive properties of the coil were measured.
American English
- They studied inductive reasoning in philosophy class.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In a basic radio circuit, an inductor and a capacitor work together to select the frequency.
- He served as the inductor for the new members at the club's annual ceremony.
- The flyback converter relies on the energy stored in its inductor during the switch-off phase to generate the output voltage.
- The smoothing inductor in the power supply effectively reduces the ripple current.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an INDUCTOR as INVITING DUCTS of current; it 'induces' voltage and stores energy magnetically, unlike a capacitor which stores it electrically.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FLYWHEEL FOR ELECTRONS (resists changes in current flow, storing inertial energy).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как "индуктор" в значении "руководитель" или "тренер" (false friend). В русском техническом языке "индуктор" — это корректный термин для 'inductor'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'inductee' (the person being inducted).
- Using it in general contexts instead of 'initiator' or 'sponsor'.
- Misspelling as 'inducter'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of an inductor in an electronic circuit?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialised term used almost exclusively in electronics, electrical engineering, and physics. The general 'person who inducts' meaning is very rare.
An inductor stores energy in a magnetic field created by current and resists changes in current. A capacitor stores energy in an electric field created by voltage and resists changes in voltage.
No, this is incorrect and would be confusing. The correct terms are 'trainer', 'mentor', or 'onboarding specialist'. 'Inductor' in the personal sense is limited to formal initiation ceremonies.
No, there are no idioms using this technical term.