fuel cell

Noun

fuel cell (plural fuel cells)

1. An electrochemical device in which the intrinsic chemical free energy of fuel and oxidant is catalytically converted to direct current energy.
   • A new energy source claimed by Mr. Coultas to be potentially applicable to locomotives is the fuel cell, now becoming more commonly known as the fuel battery. [...] The fuel cells which are furthest advanced in engineering development today use hydrogen as the fuel.1962 February, “Talking of Trains: Fuel battery locomotives?”, in Modern Railways, page 87
   • The Mako is powered by a sealed hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, and includes a small element zero core. While not large enough to nullify the vehicle’s mass, the core can reduce it enough to be safely air-dropped.2008, BioWare, Mass Effect (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →ISBN, →OCLC, PC, scene: Vehicles: M35 Mako Codex entry
2. Synonym of fuel tank: A fuel storage tank.

   Synonyms:

   fuel tank

   1. A fuel tank with a flexible inner liner to reduce the risk of puncture.