An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An electric generator, i.e. a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by virtue of the → electromagnetic induction.

Etymology (EN): From Ger. dynamoelektrischemaschine, coined (1867) by the German inventor Werner von Siemens (1816-1892), from Gk. dynamis “power,” → dynamics.

Etymology (PE): Tavânzâ, from tavân “power,” → dynamics + -zâ “generator,” from zâdan “to give birth,” Mid.Pers. zâtan, Av. zan- “to bear, give birth to a child, be born,” infinitive zazâite, zâta- “born,” cf. Skt. janati “begets, bears,” L. gignere “to beget,” PIE base *gen- “to give birth, beget.”