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.

---

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

---

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).

---

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

The theory of the electrophorus is very simple, provided the student has clearly grasped the principle of induction.

From Hawkins Electrical Guide, Number One Questions, Answers, & Illustrations, A Progressive Course of Study for Engineers, Electricians, Students and Those Desiring to acquire a Working Knowledge of Electricity and its Applications by Hawkins, Nehemiah

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

From Hawkins Electrical Guide, Number One Questions, Answers, & Illustrations, A Progressive Course of Study for Engineers, Electricians, Students and Those Desiring to acquire a Working Knowledge of Electricity and its Applications by Hawkins, Nehemiah

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

This Volta electrophorus, and these three blackboards, will serve for the purpose.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 647, May 26, 1888 by Various