carbon arc

American  

noun

1. an electric arc between two carbon electrodes, used mainly for lighting, as in an arc light for a motion-picture projector, or for intense heating, as in the cutting and welding of metals.

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carbon arc British  

noun

1. 1. an electric arc produced between two carbon electrodes, formerly used as a light source

   2. ( as modifier )

      carbon-arc light

2. 1. an electric arc produced between a carbon electrode and material to be welded

   2. ( as modifier )

      carbon-arc welding

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Etymology

Origin of carbon arc

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

I can still feel the heat from the intensely bright “carbon arc lamps,” which shined a powerful light through the film.

From Washington Post

The show’s long-range carbon arc burns between the extreme simplicity of primitive emotions and the extreme technical sophistication with which they are expressed.

From The New Yorker

The Riviera will show movies with its two carbon arc lamphouses and projectors for as long as it can, Cannata said, while exploring funding for the digital replacements.

From Seattle Times

Flame Arc Lamps.—The carbon arc principle is modified in these lamps, so that the arc itself supplies nearly the whole of the light.

From Project Gutenberg

Samarium, used in magnets for items such as headphones and carbon arc lights for the film industry, cost $4.25-$4.75; now it is $34-35.

From The Guardian