Definition
A primary (non-rechargeable) electrochemical cell using a zinc anode, a manganese dioxide cathode mixed with carbon, and an ammonium chloride electrolyte. It produces approximately 1.5 volts and is the basis of the common dry-cell battery.
Plain English
An early type of single-use battery cell, with zinc on one side, manganese dioxide on the other, and a salty paste in between, giving about 1.5 volts. It is the design behind the everyday dry-cell battery.
Context Anchor
Seen in basic aircraft electrical-system study, especially when learning how battery cells produce voltage and how dry cells differ from rechargeable aircraft batteries.
Derivation
Named after Georges Leclanche, the French engineer who invented the cell in 1866. Knowing it is a person's name (not a technical descriptor) helps explain why the term looks unusual and is always capitalized.
Why Pilots Care
Dry-cell batteries derived from this design power flashlights, handheld GPS units, backup radios, and other portable cockpit gear. Understanding that these cells are non-rechargeable and lose voltage as they discharge helps a pilot plan replacements before a flight rather than mid-flight.
Example Sentence 1
The flashlight in the survival kit runs on dry-cell batteries based on the Leclanche cell design.
Example Sentence 2
Leclanche cells were once used in low-drain cockpit instruments before sealed batteries became standard.