fuel cell
noun
a device that produces a continuous electric current directly from the oxidation of a fuel, as that of hydrogen by oxygen.
Origin of fuel cell
First recorded in 1920–25
Words nearby fuel cell
fudge factor,
fuegian,
fuehrer,
fuel,
fuel air bomb,
fuel cell,
fuel element,
fuel injection,
fuel injector,
fuel oil,
fuel poverty
British Dictionary definitions for fuel cell
fuel cell
noun
a cell in which the energy produced by oxidation of a fuel is converted directly into electrical energy
Scientific definitions for fuel cell
fuel cell
A device that produces electricity by combining a fuel, usually hydrogen, with oxygen. In this reaction, electrons are freed from the hydrogen in the fuel cell by a catalyst, and gain energy from the chemical reaction binding hydrogen and oxygen; this provides a source for electric current. The exhaust of hydrogen fuel cells consists simply of water. Fuel cells are currently used in spacecraft, and increasingly in ground transportation, with potential use everywhere electricity is required.
Cultural definitions for fuel cell
fuel cell
An electrochemical device where a chemical reaction produces energy that is converted directly into electricity. Once used primarily in space travel, fuel cells are now being considered for use in cars. Unlike internal-combustion engines, fuel cells do not pollute the environment.