Wimshurst machine

[ wimz-hurst ]

noun

, Electricity.

1. a device for the production of electric charge by electrostatic induction, consisting of two oppositely rotating glass or mica disks carrying metal strips upon which charges are induced and subsequently removed by contact with metallic combs.

Wimshurst machine

/ ˈwɪmzhɜːst /

noun

1. a type of electrostatic generator with two parallel insulating discs revolving in different directions, each being in contact with a thin metal wiper that produces a charge on the disc: usually used for demonstration purposes

Wimshurst machine

/ wĭmz′hûrst′ /

1. An electrostatic generator used to generate static electricity at high voltages, consisting of mica or glass disks covered with metal sectors of plates that are rotated in opposite directions. The rotational energy is used to build up static charge across the plates, while each plate periodically makes electrical contact with another as it rotates, building up a voltage by induction. The Wimshurst machine is named after its inventor, British engineer James Wimshurst (1832–1903).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Wimshurst machine¹

Named after J. Wimshurst (died 1903), English engineer

Word History and Origins

Origin of Wimshurst machine¹

C19: named after J. Wimshurst (1832–1903), English engineer