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induction coil

noun, Electricity.
1.
a transformer for producing high-voltage alternating current from a low-voltage direct current, consisting essentially of two concentric coils with a common soft-iron core, a primary coil with relatively few windings of heavy wire, and a secondary coil with many turns of fine wire. Excitation of the primary coil by rapidly interrupted or variable current induces high voltage in the secondary coil.
Also called Ruhmkorff coil.
Origin of induction coil
1875-1880
First recorded in 1875-80
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2017.
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Examples from the Web for induction coil
Historical Examples

  • It consists of an induction coil, put into action by a bichromate battery.

    Criminal Man Gina Lombroso-Ferrero

  • Surround him with true believers; and it all seems to act like an induction coil.

    Sense from Thought Divide Mark Irvin Clifton

  • Does the spark of an induction coil occur at "make" or at "break?"

    Physics Willis Eugene Tower

  • Could you tell me how to make an induction coil for taking shocks?

    Harper's Round Table, May 7, 1895 Various

  • Each ball is connected to one terminal of an induction coil.

    Marvels of Scientific Invention Thomas W. Corbin

  • Now the current comes from an induction coil in a series of spurts.

    Marvels of Scientific Invention Thomas W. Corbin

  • Immediately in front of the ringer magnets is the induction coil.

    Cyclopedia of Telephony & Telegraphy Vol. 1 Kempster Miller

  • By this simple illustration we have made an induction coil which may be used for making a high tension jump spark.

    Motors James Slough Zerbe

  • The arrangement consists in connecting the aerial to an induction coil, and connecting the latter with a ground wire.

    The Boy's Book of New Inventions Harry E. Maule

  • But anyone who wants, any time, can disprove the whole principle of the induction coil.

    Sense from Thought Divide Mark Irvin Clifton
British Dictionary definitions for induction coil

induction coil

noun
1.
a transformer for producing a high voltage from a low voltage. It consists of a cylindrical primary winding of few turns, a concentric secondary winding of many turns, and often a common soft-iron core Sometimes shortened to coil
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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induction coil in Science
induction coil  

  1. An electrical device consisting of a single coil of conductive material, often surrounding a metallic core, designed to establish a strong magnetic field around the coil. Changes in the current flow through the coil cause fluctuations in the magnetic field that induce a voltage across the coil. Induction coils have many applications, especially in circuits that tune to signals of specific frequencies, as in radios. The ability of an induction coil to induce a voltage is called inductance, and is measured in henrys. Compare capacitor.

  2. A type of transformer that changes a low-voltage direct current to a high-voltage alternating current. Induction coils are used for many purposes, especially as spark coils for firing spark plugs in automobile engines and starting oil burners.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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