Wimshurst machine

[ wimz-hurst ]

noun

, Electricity.

1. a device for the production of electric charge by electrostatic induction, consisting of two oppositely rotating glass or mica disks carrying metal strips upon which charges are induced and subsequently removed by contact with metallic combs.

Wimshurst machine

/ ˈwɪmzhɜːst /

noun

1. 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

Wimshurst machine

/ wĭmz′hûrst′ /

1. 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).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Wimshurst machine¹

Named after J. Wimshurst (died 1903), English engineer

Word History and Origins

Origin of Wimshurst machine¹

C19: named after J. Wimshurst (1832–1903), English engineer

Example Sentences

This electrical machine was an example of an apparatus on precisely the same principle as the Voss or Wimshurst machines of the present day.

From Project Gutenberg

But I have also used a Wimshurst machine in some experiments.

From Project Gutenberg

The Wimshurst Machine.—The essential parts of an ordinary Wimshurst machine, as shown in fig.

From Project Gutenberg

More elaborate appliances of many different forms have been used, but the only one of these electric machines, as they are called, which is now commonly employed is the Wimshurst machine.

From Project Gutenberg

He had a Wimshurst machine—to generate a blue spark, you know—and this he had attached to the big deck light, from which he had removed the opaque glass.

From Project Gutenberg