corona discharge

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. a discharge, frequently luminous, at the surface of a conductor or between two conductors of the same transmission line, accompanied by ionization of the surrounding atmosphere and often by a power loss.

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corona discharge British  

noun

1. Also called: corona.  an electrical discharge appearing on and around the surface of a charged conductor, caused by ionization of the surrounding gas See also Saint Elmo's fire

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corona discharge Scientific  

1. An electrical discharge characterized by a corona, occurring when one of two conducting surfaces (such as electrodes) of differing voltages has a pointed shape, resulting in a highly concentrated electric field at its tip that ionizes the air (or other gas) around it. Corona discharge can result in power loss in the transmission of electric power, and is used in photocopying machines and air-purification devices.

2. See also electric arc

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Etymology

Origin of corona discharge

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The "corona discharge" ionization technology from another vendor that Boeing also studied did emit ozone at levels that "exceeded regulatory standards."

From Salon • Jun. 14, 2021

The corona needle holder was modified so that CO2, O2 and Ar are fed directly over the corona discharge.

From Nature • May 24, 2016

For air this occurs at around 3×106 N/C. Air ionizes ions and electrons recombine, and we get discharge in the form of lightning sparks and corona discharge.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

The electrical circuit is completed when ions flow from the collector electrode, down a transmission line, and back to the corona discharge electrode where they began their trip.

From Time Magazine Archive

When the water was heated, its vapor circulated the other gases past a small electric "corona" discharge, which promoted chemical reactions among their molecules.

From Time Magazine Archive