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

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 • Apr. 18, 2016

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 • Feb. 18, 2012

The Riviera eventually plans to display one of its 35 mm carbon arc projectors in the lobby, Cannata said, "so people can take a look at how films were shown at one time."

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2012

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 • Oct. 25, 2010

Wastes removed would be destroyed by passage through a carbon arc after innumerable previous sterilizing processes.

From The Hate Disease by Leinster, Murray