D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

magneto

/(măg*nē"tō̇)/ · mag·ne·to · IPA /maɡˈniːtəʊ/
01 n. A small electric generator with an armature rotating in a magnetic field, having a secondary winding that generates a high voltage, such as…
  1. 1.
    A small electric generator with an armature rotating in a magnetic field, having a secondary winding that generates a high voltage, such as one used to generate a voltage sufficient to cause a spark to jump between the poles of a spark plug in an internal-combustion engine.