electrophorus

[ ih-lek-trof-er-uhs, ee-lek- ]

noun

, plural e·lec·troph·o·ri [ih-lek-, trof, -, uh, -rahy, ee-lek-].

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

electrophorus

/ 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

electrophorus

/ 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).

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrophorus¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrophorus¹

C18: from electro- + -phorus, from Greek -phoros bearing, from pherein to bear

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

The ordinary “static” or electric machine, is nothing but a continuously acting electrophorus.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

To use the electrophorus, the ebonite is given a negative charge by striking it with fur or flannel.

From Project Gutenberg

The first suggestion for a machine of the above kind seems to have grown out of the invention of Volta’s electrophorus.

From Project Gutenberg