arc lamp

1. An electric light in which a current produces light when an arc traverses the gap between two incandescent electrodes in a container filled with a gas, such as xenon. The two electrodes are usually made of carbon and are eventually vaporized by the heat they generate. Arc lamps are used to produce intense light (as in spotlights) and to produce heat for welding.

Example Sentences

The sequestered spot, a seat beneath a plane tree, with a lonesome arc-lamp shining full upon it, was occupied.

From Project Gutenberg

We were passing under an arc lamp, and, for the dismay his face showed, I might have said Kamchatka.

From Project Gutenberg

What is the illumination in foot-candles upon a surface 20 ft. from an arc lamp having an intensity of 1000 candle power?

From Project Gutenberg

Once a curiously-hatted policeman stared blankly at them under an arc lamp as the staff car clanked and rumbled past him.

From Project Gutenberg

By the light of an arc-lamp some distance off, Jack could catch the dangerous gleam in the black-bearded mans eyes.

From Project Gutenberg