arc light

American  

[ahrk lahyt] / ˈɑrk ˌlaɪt /

noun

1. Also arc lamp a lamp in which the light source is a high-intensity electric arc either between carbon rods in air or between metal electrodes in a xenon gas atmosphere enclosed in a quartz bulb.

2. the light produced by such a lamp.

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arc light British  

noun

1. Also called: arc lamp.  a light source in which an arc between two electrodes, usually carbon, produces intense white illumination

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Etymology

Origin of arc light

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

The fluctuating arc light shines through a perforated, rotating disk upon a ground glass screen and the spectators on the other side of the screen can see their pictures.

From Time Magazine Archive

The cylinders were designed so that every passing air particle swirled within 3 in. of a germ-killing arc light.

From Time Magazine Archive

Instead of going through a radio bulb, they go through an arc light whose brilliancies they modify according to the varying transparencies of the sending film.

From Time Magazine Archive

Charles Francis Brush, inventor and practical developer of the electric arc light and the storage battery.

From Time Magazine Archive

In a garbage can under an arc light I found a clean corrugated paper carton and packed my city clothes.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck