autodyne
|au-to-dyne|
🇺🇸
/ˈɔːtəˌdaɪn/
🇬🇧
/ˈɔːtədaɪn/
self-oscillating device
Etymology
'autodyne' originates from Greek-derived elements in English: 'auto-' from Greek 'autos' meaning 'self', combined with 'dyne' (from Greek 'dynamis') meaning 'power' or 'force'.
'autodyne' is a technical coinage in English from the early 20th century, formed by combining the prefix 'auto-' and the element 'dyne' (a term later used in physics as the unit of force). It entered technical usage in radio engineering contexts.
Initially a compound meaning literally 'self-power' or 'self-force' in formation, it came to denote specifically a self-oscillating radio circuit or device used for detection or oscillation.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a self-oscillating radio device or circuit used as a detector or oscillator—specifically a receiver or transmitter stage that uses its own oscillation for detection or frequency generation.
The engineer tested the autodyne to see if its self-oscillation would improve signal reception.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/25 04:58