The word “battery” sounds completely familiar to us – we use it when we're looking for a phone charger or talking about heating in the house. But did you know that this word originally had nothing to do with energy or heat? Let's figure out together with WomanEL how it became part of our everyday vocabulary.
ContentOrigins of the word “battery”Historical contextTransition to modern meaning 
Origins of the word “battery”
The word “battery” comes from the Latin battere, which means “to beat” or “to strike”. Through the French batterie, it entered English, and later into other European languages, including Ukrainian. Initially, the word denoted actions related to blows or attacks, and over time its meaning expanded.
Historical context
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the term became widely used in the military sphere. It meant a group of guns or artillery installations working together to perform a combat mission. This term has been preserved in descriptions of artillery to this day. For example, a battery of guns could consist of several units that fired synchronously.
However, “battery” was not limited to a military context. At the time, it could be used to describe a group of objects that performed a common function, such as a battery of instruments or even musical drums.
Transition to modern meaning
With the advent of electricity, the term “battery” took on a new meaning. In 1748, Benjamin Franklin, conducting experiments with electricity, first used the word battery to describe a group of interconnected electrical capacitors. He compared it to a battery of guns, where energy is stored and released to achieve a certain effect.
In the 19th century, as technology advanced, the term became associated with energy sources. Instead of guns or tools, batteries began to be associated with electrochemical devices that provide energy for electrical appliances.
Interesting facts about batteries:
- The first battery in history was not Volta's invention. Archaeologists have found an artifact called the “Baghdad Battery”, created around 200 AD. It was probably used to electroplate metals.
- In military affairs, batteries remain relevant: artillery units are still called the same.
- In music, the term “battery” is sometimes used to describe the rhythm section in classical or orchestral music.
The word “battery” has come a long way: from war guns and electrical experiments to our smartphones and heating. It symbolizes the idea of unification, teamwork and the power of plurality. So the next time you talk about battery charge, remember how interestingly this word has evolved and how many meanings it carries…
Also learn about the kettle in modern language: how did a familiar word become a metaphor for people without experience?