A magneto is an electrical generator that uses permanent magnets to produce periodic pulses of alternating current. Hand-cranked magneto generators were used to provide ringing current in early telephone systems. Magnetos adapted to produce pulses of high voltage are used in the ignition systems of some gasoline-powered internal combustion engines... Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magneto
[generator] A magneto is an electrical generator that uses permanent magnets to produce alternating current. Unlike a dynamo, there is no commutator and so they cannot produce direct current. They are categorised as a form of alternator, although they are usually regarded as distinct from most other alternators, which use field coils rather... Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magneto_(generator)
A simple electrical AC generator based on a rotating permanent magnet which induces (see electromagnetic induction a current in a coil. It is the basis of an ignition system used in internal combustion engines without batteries, the spark voltage being induced as usual in a large secondary coil when... Found on http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/M/magneto.html
magneto An electric generator containing one or more permanent magnets, which provide the magnetic flux (the lines of magnetic force arising from and found in the vicinity of a magnetized body). Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/1236/2
permanent-magnet generator mainly employed for ignition of compressed gasses in internal combustion engines. Primary applications have been in small ... [2 related articles] Found on http://www.britannica.com/eb/a-z/m/11
Simple electric generator, often used to provide the electricity for the ignition system of motorcycles and used in early cars. It consists of a rotating magnet that sets up an electric current in a coil, providing the spark Found on http://www.talktalk.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0006172.html