air gap

noun

1. Electricity. the space between two objects magnetically related, as between the rotor and the stator in a dynamo, or between two objects electrically related, as between the electrode and the tip of a spark plug.

Word History and Origins

Origin of air gap¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

I have tried cleaning the glass inside and out, but the etching appears to be on the glass facing the air gap between the panes.

From Washington Post

But it is only by raising the voltage of the current that even a short air gap can be bridged by the spark.

From Project Gutenberg

The current crosses the air-gap between the metal and the negative pole, forms an arc, and rapidly fuses the metal.

From Project Gutenberg

The air-gap flux per pole, therefore, depends on the current taken by the motor.

From Project Gutenberg

The torque produced is proportional to the product of the air-gap flux per pole and the armature current.

From Project Gutenberg

Our terrestrial voltages are baffled by an air-gap of a few inches, but lightning springs across a gap miles wide.

From Project Gutenberg