Generator vs. Alternator — What's the Difference?

One that generates, especially a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

An alternator is an electrical generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current. For reasons of cost and simplicity, most alternators use a rotating magnetic field with a stationary armature.

An apparatus that generates vapor or gas.

An electric generator that produces alternating current.

A circuit that generates a specified waveform.

(electrical engineering) An electric generator which produces alternating current through mechanical means.

(Mathematics) See generatrix.

An electric generator or dynamo for producing alternating currents.

(Computers) A program that produces specific programs from the definition of an operation.

An old term for an electric generator that produces alternating current (especially in automobiles)

One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.

(chemistry) An apparatus in which vapour or gas is formed from a liquid or solid by means of heat or chemical process, as a steam boiler, gas retort etc.

(music) The principal sound or sounds by which others are produced; the fundamental note or root of the common chord; -- see also generating tone.

(mathematics) An element of a group that is used in the presentation of the group: one of the elements from which the others can be inferred with the given relators.

(geometry) One of the lines of a ruled surface; more generally, an element of some family of linear spaces.

(programming) A subordinate piece of code which, given some initial parameters, will generate multiple output values on request.

A piece of apparatus, equipment, etc, to convert or change energy from one form to another.

Especially, a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

One who, or that which, generates, begets, causes, or produces.

An apparatus in which vapor or gas is formed from a liquid or solid by means of heat or chemical process, as a steam boiler, gas retort, or vessel for generating carbonic acid gas, etc.

The principal sound or sounds by which others are produced; the fundamental note or root of the common chord; - called also generating tone.

Any machine that transforms mechanical into electrical energy; a dynamo.

A mathematical entity which, when subjected to an operation, yields another mathematical entity; also, a generatrix.

An apparatus that produces a vapor or gas

Engine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction

Someone who originates or causes or initiates something;

An electronic device for producing a signal voltage