megavolt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 - Very Low FrequencyTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “megavolt” mean?
A unit of electrical potential equal to one million volts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of electrical potential equal to one million volts.
In metaphorical use, denotes something of extreme power, scale, or intensity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. Standard technical term in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical connotation in both. Any metaphorical use would be equally rare and marked.
Frequency
Equally low frequency and restricted to technical domains in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “megavolt” in a Sentence
[number] megavolt(s)a megavolt of [electrical phenomenon]megavolt [noun, e.g., generator, pulse]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “megavolt” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Megavolt is not used as a verb in standard English.]
American English
- [Megavolt is not used as a verb in standard English.]
adverb
British English
- [Megavolt is not used as an adverb in standard English.]
American English
- [Megavolt is not used as an adverb in standard English.]
adjective
British English
- The laboratory installed a new megavolt transformer for the experiment.
- They measured the megavolt pulse with extreme precision.
American English
- The facility requires megavolt-level capacitors for its research.
- A megavolt generator was used to test the insulation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except in highly specific contexts like the power generation or high-tech electrical equipment industry.
Academic
Used in physics, electrical engineering, and materials science papers and textbooks discussing high-energy phenomena.
Everyday
Extremely rare. May be encountered in sensationalist news reports about extreme experiments or lightning.
Technical
Core usage domain. Standard term in specifications for particle accelerators, pulsed power devices, high-voltage transmission research, and some medical equipment (e.g., radiation therapy machines).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “megavolt”
- Misspelling as 'megavolt' (correct) vs. 'mega volt' (incorrect as a single unit term).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'a lot of energy' instead of a specific unit of electrical potential.
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'megavolts' is correct, not 'megavolt' for plural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency technical term used almost exclusively in physics, electrical engineering, and related scientific fields.
It can be, but such usage is rare and highly marked. It would always draw a conscious comparison to extreme electrical power, e.g., 'Her performance was pure megavolts of energy.'
A megavolt (MV) is one million volts, while a kilovolt (kV) is one thousand volts. A megavolt is 1000 times larger than a kilovolt.
It is standardly written as one closed compound word: 'megavolt'. Writing it as 'mega volt' is incorrect when referring to the specific unit.
A unit of electrical potential equal to one million volts.
Megavolt is usually technical/scientific in register.
Megavolt: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmeɡəˌvəʊlt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmeɡəˌvoʊlt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MEGA-sized battery for a VOLT-age so huge it could power a city. MEGA (huge) + VOLT (unit of electrical force).
Conceptual Metaphor
ELECTRICAL POTENTIAL IS PHYSICAL SIZE/STRENGTH (e.g., 'a megavolt personality' would metaphorically mean an intensely powerful or dynamic person).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'megavolt' MOST appropriately used?