Wimshurst machine

Wims·hurst machine  (wmzhûrst)

n.

An electrostatic generator having oppositely rotating mica or glass disks with metal carriers on which charges are produced by induction, used chiefly as a demonstration apparatus.

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[After James Wimshurst (1832-1903), British engineer.]

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Wimshurst machine [ˈwɪmzhɜːst]

n

(Physics / General Physics) a type of electrostatic generator with two parallel insulating discs revolving in different directions, each being in contact with a thin metal wiper that produces a charge on the disc: usually used for demonstration purposes

[named after J. Wimshurst (1832-1903), English engineer]

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Wimshurst machine  (wmzhûrst)

An electrostatic generator used to generate static electricity at high voltages, consisting of mica or glass disks covered with metal sectors of plates that are rotated in opposite directions. The rotational energy is used to build up static charge across the plates, while each plate periodically makes electrical contact with another as it rotates, building up a voltage by induction. The Wimshurst machine is named after its inventor, British engineer James Wimshurst (1832-1903).

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

Wimshurst machine - electrical device that produces a high voltage by building up a charge of static electricity electrostatic generator, electrostatic machine, Van de Graaff generator electrical device - a device that produces or is powered by electricity electrophorus - a simple electrostatic generator that generates repeated charges of static electricity