A small electrical generator that uses permanent magnets to create an electric current, commonly used in older engines to produce sparks for ignition.
From the Latin 'magnetum' (magnet) with the suffix '-o.' The word emerged in the 19th century as electrical technology developed and engineers needed to name this crucial component of early internal combustion engines.
Magnetos are why old cars and motorcycles have that distinctive kick-start—they generate their own electricity without batteries, a brilliant mechanical solution that's still used in some small engines and backup systems today.
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