transformer
trans-FOR-mer
/trænˈsfɔːrmər/
A device that transfers electrical energy between circuits, stepping voltage up or down via electromagnetic induction.
Does not create power; changes high-voltage low-current electricity to low-voltage high-current electricity (or vice versa).
The story behind the word. From Latin 'transformare' (to change shape). Applied in the 1880s by Michael Faraday and Nikola Tesla to describe electromagnetic devices altering electrical pressure levels across magnetic fields.
Word relationships
- converter: Converters change AC to DC energy; transformers step AC voltage levels up or down.
Commonly confused with
- breaker: A transformer changes voltage levels; a breaker cuts power during an electrical fault.
Word family
- transform (verb): To alter the structure, form, or voltage level of something.
- transformation (noun): The act or process of changing form.
Collocations
- step-down transformer
- step-up transformer
- isolation transformer
- pad-mounted transformer
Example sentences
- "The green box mounted on the concrete pad outside contains a step-down transformer feeding 240 volts to homes." Utility Infrastructure
- "A control transformer converts 120 volts AC down to 24 volts AC to safely operate the furnace thermostat." HVAC Engineering
Memory hook
TRANS-FORMER TRANS-forms voltage from high to low or low to high. Steps voltage levels up or down.
When not to use
Avoid confusing electrical power transformers with fictional shape-shifting robot characters in popular media.
Fun facts
- Transformers only work on alternating current (AC), which is why Tesla's AC won the famous War of the Currents against Edison's DC.
Explore more words
inductance, voltage, solenoid, resistance, turbine, alternator
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