solenoid

[ soh-luh-noid, sol-uh- ]

noun

1. Electricity. an electric conductor wound as a helix with small pitch, or as two or more coaxial helices, so that current through the conductor establishes a magnetic field within the conductor.
2. Also called solenoid switch. a switch controlled by such an arrangement, in which a metal rod moves when the current is turned on: used in automotive starting systems.
3. Meteorology. a space formed by the intersection of isobaric and isosteric surfaces.

solenoid

/ ˈsəʊlɪˌnɔɪd /

noun

1. a coil of wire, usually cylindrical, in which a magnetic field is set up by passing a current through it
2. a coil of wire, partially surrounding an iron core, that is made to move inside the coil by the magnetic field set up by a current: used to convert electrical to mechanical energy, as in the operation of a switch
3. such a device used as a relay, as in a motor vehicle for connecting the battery directly to the starter motor when activated by the ignition switch

solenoid

/ sō′lə-noid′ /

1. A coil of wire that acts as an electromagnet when electric current is passed through it, often used to control the motion of metal objects, such as the switch of a relay.

Derived Forms

• ˌsoleˈnoidal, adjective
• ˌsoleˈnoidally, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of solenoid¹

1825–35; < French solénoïde < Greek sōlḗn pipe, channel + French -oïde -oid

Word History and Origins

Origin of solenoid¹

C19: from French solénoïde, from Greek sōlēn a pipe, tube

Example Sentences

“I thought it was the solenoid. Leave it running for a minute.”

From Seattle Times

It makes solenoids - electromagnetic valves - used in everything from airplane hydraulics controls to air conditioning.

From Reuters

CMS uses a solenoid, a ring-shaped magnet, to bend the path of charged particles such as muons.

From Scientific American

Certainly, the shift from cranks and solenoids and bits of small metal to remote, wireless contraptions isn’t only about science and technology.

From New York Times

“Each completion of a major first-of-a-kind component — such as the central solenoid’s first module — increases our confidence that we can complete the complex engineering of the full machine,” said ITER’s spokesman Laban Coblentz.

From Washington Post