kilowatt

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a unit of power equal to one thousand watts; symbol kW

   The portable generator can deliver a maximum power of five kilowatts.

2. 2
   noun

   informal, a kilowatt-hour when referring to metered electrical energy

   The tariff states the price charged for each kilowatt consumed, though the precise unit is a kilowatt-hour.

Formed from kilo- ("one thousand") + watt, the SI unit of power named for engineer James Watt. Strictly a kilowatt measures power, while a kilowatt-hour measures energy.

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