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battery

noun bat·tery \ˈba-t(ə-)rē\

: a device that is placed inside a machine (such as a clock, toy, or car) to supply it with electricity

: a usually large group of similar people, things, or ideas that work together, are used together, etc.

: a group of two or more big guns used by the military

plural bat·ter·ies

Full Definition of BATTERY

a : the act of battering or beating

b : an offensive touching or use of force on a person without the person's consent — compare assault 2a

[Middle French batterie, from battre to beat]

a : a grouping of artillery pieces for tactical purposes

b : the guns of a warship

: an artillery unit in the army equivalent to a company

a : a combination of apparatus for producing a single electrical effect

b : a group of two or more cells connected together to furnish electric current; also : a single cell that furnishes electric current <a flashlight battery>

c plural : level of energy or enthusiasm <needs a vacation to recharge her batteries>

a : a number of similar articles, items, or devices arranged, connected, or used together : set, series <a battery of tests>

b : a usually impressive or imposing group : array

: the position of readiness of a gun for firing

: the pitcher and catcher of a baseball team

See battery defined for English-language learners

See battery defined for kids

Origin of BATTERY

Anglo-French baterie, from batre to beat, from Latin battuere

First Known Use: 1531

Related to BATTERY

Synonyms: array, assemblage, band, bank, batch, group, block, bunch, clot, clump, cluster, clutch, collection, constellation, grouping, huddle, knot, lot, muster, package, parcel, passel, set, suite

Rhymes with BATTERY

cattery, clattery, flattery, mattery

BATTERY Defined for Kids

battery

noun bat·tery \ˈba-tə-rē\

plural bat·ter·ies

Definition of BATTERY for Kids

: two or more big military guns that are controlled as a unit

: an electric cell or connected electric cells for providing electric current <a flashlight battery>

: a number of similar items or devices grouped together <a battery of tests>

: an unlawful touching or use of force on a person against his or her will

Medical Dictionary

battery

noun bat·tery \ˈbat-ə-rē, ˈba-trē\

plural bat·ter·ies

Medical Definition of BATTERY

a : a combination of apparatus for producing a single electrical effect b : a group of two or more cells connected together to furnish electric current; also : a single cell that furnishes electric current

: a group or series of tests; especially : a group of intelligence or personality tests given to a subject as an aid in psychological analysis