a small electric generator with an armature that rotates in a magnetic field provided by permanent magnets, as a generator supplying ignition current for certain types of internal combustion engines or a hand-operated generator for telephone signaling.
Techniques used include linear and nonlinear magneto-optics and pulsed inductive microwave magnetometry.
British Dictionary definitions for magneto
magneto
/mæɡˈniːtəʊ/
noun (pl) -tos
1.
a small electric generator in which the magnetic field is produced by a permanent magnet, esp one for providing the spark in an internal-combustion engine
Word Origin
C19: short for magnetoelectric generator
magneto-
combining form
1.
indicating magnetism or magnetic properties: magnetosphere
Word Origin and History for magneto
n.
1882, short for magneto-electric machine (see magneto-).
magneto-
word-forming element meaning "magnetic, magnetism," from Greek magneto-, combining form of magnes (see magnet).