Townsend
/ˈtaʊnzɛnd/Physics
noun
Attributive Designating phenomena and concepts demonstrated by or relating to Townsend's work on the conduction of electricity through gases, as Townsend avalanche, Townsend current, etc.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in London, Edinburgh and Dublin Philosophical Magazine. From the name of Sir John Sealy Townsend, Irish physicist.