secondary battery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “secondary battery” mean?
A rechargeable electrochemical cell or battery that can be restored to a charged state by passing an electric current through it in the opposite direction to discharge.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rechargeable electrochemical cell or battery that can be restored to a charged state by passing an electric current through it in the opposite direction to discharge.
In a broader context, it can refer to any backup or auxiliary power source, or metaphorically to a reserve or supplementary resource in non-technical domains.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American engineering texts, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “secondary battery” in a Sentence
The [device] is powered by a secondary battery.A [type] secondary battery provides backup power.To recharge the secondary battery.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “secondary battery” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system is designed to secondary-battery the emergency lights. (Rare/technical)
American English
- [Verb form not standard]
adverb
British English
- [Not used adverbially]
American English
- [Not used adverbially]
adjective
British English
- The secondary-battery technology has improved rapidly.
- We need a secondary-battery power source.
American English
- The secondary battery market is growing.
- Secondary battery systems are essential for grid storage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in supply chains for electric vehicles or consumer electronics.
Academic
Core term in electrochemistry, materials science, and electrical engineering papers.
Everyday
Rare; might be used when discussing the pros and cons of different battery types for gadgets.
Technical
Precise term for any battery system where the electrochemical reaction is reversible via charging.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “secondary battery”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “secondary battery”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “secondary battery”
- Using 'secondary battery' to mean a less important battery, rather than a rechargeable one.
- Confusing it with 'second battery' (a literal second unit).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a standard lead-acid car battery is a classic example of a secondary (rechargeable) battery.
They are synonyms, though 'accumulator' is more common in older or British technical contexts, while 'secondary battery' or 'rechargeable battery' is more universal.
It would sound very technical. Most people say 'rechargeable battery' in everyday contexts.
The terminology is historical. 'Primary' batteries produce current until exhausted. 'Secondary' batteries can have their chemical reactions reversed (recharged), offering a secondary phase of use.
A rechargeable electrochemical cell or battery that can be restored to a charged state by passing an electric current through it in the opposite direction to discharge.
Secondary battery is usually technical / formal in register.
Secondary battery: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkənd(ə)ri ˈbæt(ə)ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkənˌdɛri ˈbætəri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SECOND chance': a secondary battery can be used a second (and third, etc.) time after recharging.
Conceptual Metaphor
A REFILLABLE CONTAINER FOR ENERGY (as opposed to a single-use container).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a secondary battery?