electrostatic generator

noun

, Physics, Electricity.

1. Van de Graaff generator.

electrostatic generator

noun

1. any device for producing a high voltage by building up a charge of static electricity

electrostatic generator

1. Any of various devices, including the electrophorus, the Wimshurst machine, and especially the Van de Graaff generator, that generate or store high voltages by accumulating static electric charge.

Word History and Origins

Origin of electrostatic generator¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Tuve moved on to an electrostatic generator invented by a Princeton University engineer named Robert Van de GraafF.

From Literature

A later development, the Van de Graaff electrostatic generator, produced a beam of hydrogen ions and other positively charged ions, and electrons at even higher energies.

From Project Gutenberg