power supply: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Semi-Formal to Formal
Quick answer
What does “power supply” mean?
An electrical device or system that provides electrical energy to another device or to a circuit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An electrical device or system that provides electrical energy to another device or to a circuit.
The source of electrical power for a building, area, or piece of equipment; the infrastructure for electricity distribution. In a broader sense, it can metaphorically refer to any source of sustaining energy or support.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Mains' (UK) and 'outlet' (US) may be used when referring to the domestic wall source (e.g., 'plug into the power supply' vs. 'plug into the mains/outlet').
Connotations
Identical in technical contexts. In everyday use, US speakers might default to 'outlet' or 'plug' more readily than UK speakers, who might use 'mains'.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US English in technical manuals and IT contexts, but overall usage is comparable.
Grammar
How to Use “power supply” in a Sentence
[device] requires a stable power supply.The [system] is connected to the main power supply.A failure in the power supply caused [problem].Ensure the power supply is switched on before [action].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “power supply” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The grid is designed to power supply the entire region reliably.
- This cable will power supply the peripheral device.
American English
- The generator will power supply the emergency lights.
- The new plant is scheduled to power supply the industrial park.
adjective
British English
- We need to check the power-supply cable for damage.
- The power-supply specifications are listed in the manual.
American English
- The power-supply unit is making a strange noise.
- Follow the power-supply guidelines for safe installation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussions about operational continuity, facility management, and investment in infrastructure.
Academic
In engineering, physics, and computer science papers discussing circuit design, energy systems, or experimental setup.
Everyday
Troubleshooting electronic devices, discussing home electricity issues, or setting up computer hardware.
Technical
Specifying voltage, current, wattage, and regulation characteristics of a component in a system.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “power supply”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “power supply”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'It power supplies the computer' - incorrect). Correct: 'It supplies power to the computer.' or 'It is the power supply for the computer.'
- Misspelling as one word: 'powersupply'.
- Using plural incorrectly for a single unit: 'The computer has two power supplies' is correct only if it literally has two separate units.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound noun, written as two separate words. The hyphenated form 'power-supply' is sometimes used when it functions as a modifier before another noun (e.g., power-supply unit).
A power supply typically converts mains AC electricity to the DC voltage required by a device. A battery is a stored chemical source of DC power. A power supply provides continuous power from the grid, while a battery provides temporary, portable power.
No, it is a noun. The verb phrase is 'to supply power'. However, in very technical jargon, it is sometimes used attributively in verb phrases (e.g., 'the system power-supplies the module'), but this is non-standard for general English.
Uninterruptible Power Supply. It's a device with a battery that provides emergency power when the main input power source fails.
An electrical device or system that provides electrical energy to another device or to a circuit.
Power supply is usually technical, semi-formal to formal in register.
Power supply: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊə səˌplaɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊər səˌplaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The weak link in the chain is the power supply.”
- “Don't put all your eggs in one power supply.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a POWER PLANT SUPPLYing electricity to your home. The two words combine to name the thing that does the supplying.
Conceptual Metaphor
ELECTRICITY IS A LIQUID (the power supply is the source/reservoir). LIFE/OPERATION IS DEPENDENT ON A SOURCE (e.g., 'He was her emotional power supply').
Practice
Quiz
In the context of personal computing, what is a common synonym for 'power supply'?