Wimshurst machine

Wims·hurst machine

W0166500 (wĭmz′hûrst′)n. An electrostatic generator used chiefly to demonstrate how static electricity is generated at high voltages, consisting of oppositely rotating mica or glass disks with metal carriers on which charges are produced by induction.

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

Wimshurst machine

(ˈwɪmzhɜːst) n (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[C19: named after J. Wimshurst (1832–1903), English engineer]

Wims·hurst machine

(wĭmz′hûrst′) A machine used to generate static electricity and consisting of mica or glass disks that rotate in opposite directions. The disks have metal carriers, often made of tinfoil, on which charges are produced by induction. Wimshurst machines are used to demonstrate how electric charge works.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

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