DRY CELL

"An early name for the non-rechargeable battery that is still used occasionally. The early non-rechargeable batteries were laboratory devices (see, e.g. the Daniell cell). To produce a practical device, the electrolyte solution was ""immobilized"" by some gelling agent, and the whole cell was sealed to permit its use in any position. Hence the name: ""dry cell."" See also Leclanche cell. And an Encyclopedia Article. "