electrophorus

American  

[ih-lek-trof-er-uhs, ee-lek-] / ɪ lɛkˈtrɒf ər əs, ˌi lɛk- /

noun

plural

electrophori

1. an instrument for generating static electricity by means of induction.

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electrophorus British  

/ ˌiːlɛk-, ɪlɛkˈtrɒfərəs /

noun

1. an apparatus for generating static electricity. It consists of an insulating plate charged by friction and used to charge a metal plate by induction

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electrophorus Scientific  

/ ĭ-lĕk′trŏf′ər-əs,ē′lĕk- /

plural

electrophori

1. An electrostatic generator, constructed like one half of a large capacitor, the other half being any grounded surface, such as a table. A small charge is given to the electrophorus when it is near the grounded surface, effectively charging it like capacitor. As the electrophorous is lifted away from the surface, its voltage relative to the surface increases (as the capacitance decreases).

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Etymology

Origin of electrophorus

1770–80; electro- + -phorus, Latinization of -phore

Example Sentences

Via http://www.develotech.net/Archive/Circuits/Docs/Lichtenberg%20Figure/Lichtenberg.htm First he used the electrophorus to blast  an insulating material, such as resin, glass or hard rubber, with a very high voltage.

From Scientific American • Jul. 23, 2013

Of late years the principle of induction, which is the secret of the Leyden jar and electrophorus, has been applied in constructing "influence" machines for generating electricity.

From The Story of Electricity by Munro, John

His electrophorus in one form consisted of a disk of non-conducting material, such as pitch or resin, placed between two metal sheets, one being provided with an insulating handle.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 2 "Ehud" to "Electroscope" by Various

These instruments are the electrophorus, the condenser of electricity, and the doubler of it.

From Heads of Lectures on a Course of Experimental Philosophy: Particularly Including Chemistry by Priestley, Joseph

When the charged plate or conductor of the electrophorus touches the knob the inner foil takes a positive charge, which induces a negative charge in the outer foil through the glass.

From The Story of Electricity by Munro, John