battery

bat-ter-y · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A device that stores chemical energy and converts it to electrical energy.

  2. 2.

    [law]The crime of physically striking or touching someone unlawfully.

  3. 3.

    [military]A group of guns or artillery positioned together.

  4. 4.

    A series of things, especially tests or questions.

  5. 5.

    [agriculture]Cages for raising poultry intensively.

Forms

plural: batteries

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    assault and battery — Criminal charges for physical attack.
  • •
    recharge one's batteries — Rest and regain energy.
  • •
    battery-operated — Powered by batteries.
  • •
    battery life — How long a battery lasts.
  • •
    battery farming — Intensive animal farming.

Related words

See also: assault, charge, electricity, power
Synonyms: cell, power source

Etymology

From French batterie ("beating, bombardment, group of cannons"), from battre ("to beat"). The electrical sense comes from Benjamin Franklin's comparison of Leyden jars arranged in a row to a battery of cannons.