(mag·nē′to) noun plural ·tos
Any magnetoelectric machine in which the rotation of a coil of wire between the poles of a permanent magnet induces a current of electricity in the coil; especially, a type of alternator, widely used as a means of igniting the explosive mixtures used in internal–combustion engines, as in automobiles. Also mag·ne·to·dy·na·mo (mag·nē′tō·dī′nə·mō), mag·ne·to·gen·er·a·tor (mag·nē′tō·jen′ə·rā′tər). [Short for magnetoelectric machine]

Magnetic; magnetism; magnetomotive.