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fuel cell
noun
: a device that continuously changes the chemical energy of a fuel (such as hydrogen) and an oxidant directly into electrical energy
Examples of fuel cell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Under standards passed by the California Air Resources Board, at least 35 percent of model year 2026 passenger cars and trucks sold in the state will be electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 May 2024
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, which runs a motor.
—San Diego Union Tribune, Orange County Register, 1 May 2024
As if that weren’t enough, an onboard storage tank captures the water that is the byproduct of the electrochemical reactions in the fuel cell.
—IEEE Spectrum, 16 Apr. 2024
Last January, ZeroAvia flew a Dornier 228 with one turboprop replaced by a prototype hydrogen-electric powertrain that included two fuel cells and a lithium-ion battery.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2024
For instance, in fuel cells, aerospace equipment, electronics, dental fillings and jewelry to name a few.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024
Slightly different general rules apply for fuel cells.
—The Arizona Republic, 22 Jan. 2024
Part of California's sweeping set of rules for cars sold in the state requires EVs, hydrogen fuel cells, and Plug-in Hybrids to follow a similar diagnostics standard, much like OBD-II did 30 years earlier.
—Robin Warner, Ars Technica, 4 Dec. 2023
In comparison, a recent glucose fuel cell achieved less than 0.6 V, but a maximum power density of 43 µW/cm2.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fuel cell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1922, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near fuel cell
Cite this Entry
“Fuel cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuel%20cell. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
fuel cell
noun
: a device that continuously changes the chemical energy of a fuel (as hydrogen) into electrical energy
More from Merriam-Webster on fuel cell
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fuel cell
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