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
a small Leclanche cell containing no free liquid; the electrolyte is a paste and the negative zinc pole forms the container of the cell; used in flashlights, portable radios, etc
A primary cell in which the electrolyte is absorbed in a porous medium, or is otherwise restrained from flowing Common practice limits the term "dry cell" to the Leclanché cell, which is the common commercial type