arc light

[ ahrk lahyt ]

noun

1. Also arc lamp. a lamp in which the light source is a high-intensity electric arc either between carbon rods in air or between metal electrodes in a xenon gas atmosphere enclosed in a quartz bulb.
2. the light produced by such a lamp.

arc light

noun

1. a light source in which an arc between two electrodes, usually carbon, produces intense white illumination Also calledarc lamp

Word History and Origins

Origin of arc light¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

It is still the most brilliant illuminating gas we have, and is rivaled by the electric arc-light only.

From Project Gutenberg

It may be observed that an arc light presents the converse case to a motor.

From Project Gutenberg

He made the suggestion that the arc light might be used for the disinfection of hospitals and railway carriages.

From Project Gutenberg

The so-called mean spherical candle power of the arc light is about 510.

From Project Gutenberg

The arc light requires so much power that its production by voltaic cells is very expensive.

From Project Gutenberg