inductor

noun

in·​duc·​tor in-ˈdək-tər How to pronounce inductor (audio)
1
: one that inducts
2
a
: a part of an electrical apparatus that acts upon another or is itself acted upon by induction
b
: reactor sense 2
3
: organizer sense 2

Examples of inductor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When the frequency resonates with the free radicals’ electron spins, those spins couple with the inductor, altering the frequency of the oscillator, which is detected via a feedback loop. — IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026 Past inductions have sometimes but not always included musical collaborations between inductor and inductee — depending, oftentimes, on whether the person doing the honors is a singer or from some other walk of entertainment. — Chris Willman, Variety, 6 May 2026 Traditional converters rely on inductors. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inductor

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inductor was in 1652

Rhymes for inductor

See All Rhymes for inductor

Browse Nearby Words

inductometer
inductor
inductor compass
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inductor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inductor. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inductor

noun
in·​duc·​tor in-ˈdək-tər How to pronounce inductor (audio)
1
: one that inducts
2
: a part of an electrical device that acts upon another or is itself acted upon by induction

Medical Definition

inductor

noun
in·​duc·​tor in-ˈdək-tər How to pronounce inductor (audio)
: one that inducts
especially : organizer sense 2
chordamesoderm acts on embryonic ectoderm as an inductor of neural tissue

More from Merriam-Webster on inductor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inductor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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