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| n. pl. bat·ter·ies 1. a. Electricity A device containing an electric cell or a series of electric cells storing chemical energy that can be converted into electrical energy, usually in the form of direct current. b. A device that stores mechanical or other energy for later use. 2. a. The act of beating or pounding. b. Law The unlawful and unwanted touching or striking of one person by another, with the intention of bringing about a harmful or offensive contact. 3. a. An emplacement for one or more pieces of artillery. b. A set of guns or other heavy artillery, as on a warship. c. An army artillery unit, corresponding to a company in the infantry. 4. a. An array of similar things intended for use together: took a battery of achievement tests. b. An impressive body or group: a battery of political supporters. 5. Baseball A pitcher and catcher considered as a unit. 6. Music The percussion section of an orchestra. [Middle English batri, forged metal ware, from Old French baterie, a beating, from batre, to batter; see BATTER1.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
