electric arc

noun

1. arc ( def 2 ).

electric arc

1. An electric current, often strong, brief, and luminous, in which electrons jump across a gap. Electric arcs across specially designed electrodes can produce very high heats and bright light, and are used for such purposes as welding and illumination in spotlights. Unwanted arcs in electrical circuits can cause fires. Lightning is a case of an electric arc between one cloud and the earth or another cloud, as are sparks caused by discharges of static electricity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of electric arc¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

It is still the most brilliant illuminating gas we have, and is rivaled by the electric arc-light only.

From Project Gutenberg

He would put a piece of meteorite in the electric arc to see what light it would give; he had never tried the experiment before.

From Project Gutenberg

They were approaching the electric arc that lighted the entrance to the beach.

From Project Gutenberg

The exact temperature of the electric arc is not known with certainty.

From Project Gutenberg

A mixture of ground coke and lime is introduced into the furnace through which an electric arc has been drawn.

From Project Gutenberg