Etymology

magneto

M3A1G2N1E1T1O1

Today it means: A small magnetic dynamo, especially one that provides power to the spark plugs of a small internal combustion engine (now mostly used in aircraft). Full definition →

First used 19th c.
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The story

Clipping of magneto-electric (machine).

First known use, by meaning

  • from 19th c. A small magnetic dynamo, especially one that provides power to the spark plugs of a small internal combustion engine (now mostly used in aircraft).

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.