discharge tube

noun

, Electronics.

1. gas tube.

discharge tube

noun

1. electronics an electrical device in which current flow is by electrons and ions in an ionized gas, as in a fluorescent light or neon tube

discharge tube

1. A closed vessel having electrodes at either end and containing a gas at low pressure. When a sufficient voltage is applied to the electrodes, an electric current flows through the gas. Discharge tubes can be used to prevent current flow below a certain voltage; they can also function as lamps by the use of ionizing gas, which glows when current flows through the tube.

Word History and Origins

Origin of discharge tube¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The force pump gets its name from the fact that the moving piston drives or forces the water through the discharge tube.

From Project Gutenberg

This is regulated by nipping the discharge-tube with the spring clothes pin supplied for the purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

At ten-second intervals, a puff of black dust came from a discharge tube mounted on the rear of each plane.

From Project Gutenberg