eddy current

noun

1. an electric current in a conducting material that results from induction by a moving or varying magnetic field.

eddy current

noun

1. an electric current induced in a massive conductor, such as the core of an electromagnet, transformer, etc, by an alternating magnetic field Also calledFoucault current

Word History and Origins

Origin of eddy current¹

1590–1600, for an earlier sense

Example Sentences

Large magnets pull out metals; aluminum is itself magnetized using what’s known as an eddy current to draw it out.

From Seattle Times

According to a National Transportation Safety Board report, the inspections used eddy current and fluorescent penetrant techniques; they were not visual inspections.

From New York Times

That led the UW team to the use of magnets, which create an eddy current on the surface of the aluminum track that lifts the pod off the ground when it reaches a certain speed, causing it to levitate.

From Seattle Times

The list is long and includes the copper and aluminum Eddy current tubes that he always has on hand to teach visitors about magnetism, the square plates or blocks for melting ice for a tutorial on thermal conductivity, and a miniature Stirling engine for a chalk talk about using heat to drive a piston.

From New York Times

On some rides, we use magnetic eddy current brakes, which are completely frictionless and do not wear out.

From BusinessWeek