dy|na|mo

dy|na|mo «DY nuh moh», noun, plural -mos.

1. a machine that changes mechanical energy into electric energy; generator. It generally consists of an electromagnet, which furnishes a magnetic field, and an armature, usually made up of insulated copper wire wound around an iron core. The electric current is developed in the armature when it is rotated in the field or has the field rotated about it. »

The welders made their own electricity with a small dynamo run by a gasoline engine.

2. a motor which turns electrical energy into mechanical energy.

3. Informal, Figurative. a dynamic person, especially one who sparks some activity or enterprise: »

Gascon is actor, director…agitator and dynamo of French-Canadian theater (Maclean's).

╂[short for dynamo-electric machine; dynamo < Greek dýnamis power]