electrophorus

American  

[ih-lek-trof-er-uhs, ee-lek-] / ɪ lɛkˈtrɒf ər əs, ˌi lɛk- /

noun

electrophori plural

1. an instrument for generating static electricity by means of induction.

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electrophorus British  

/ ˌiːlɛk-, ɪlɛkˈtrɒfərəs /

noun

1. an apparatus for generating static electricity. It consists of an insulating plate charged by friction and used to charge a metal plate by induction

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electrophorus Scientific  

/ ĭ-lĕk′trŏf′ər-əs,ē′lĕk- /

electrophori plural

1. An electrostatic generator, constructed like one half of a large capacitor, the other half being any grounded surface, such as a table. A small charge is given to the electrophorus when it is near the grounded surface, effectively charging it like capacitor. As the electrophorous is lifted away from the surface, its voltage relative to the surface increases (as the capacitance decreases).

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Etymology

Origin of electrophorus

1770–80; electro- + -phorus, Latinization of -phore

Example Sentences

Via http://www.develotech.net/Archive/Circuits/Docs/Lichtenberg%20Figure/Lichtenberg.htm First he used the electrophorus to blast  an insulating material, such as resin, glass or hard rubber, with a very high voltage.

From Scientific American • Jul. 23, 2013

The theory of the electrophorus is very simple, provided the student has clearly grasped the principle of induction.

From Hawkins Electrical Guide, Number One Questions, Answers, & Illustrations, A Progressive Course of Study for Engineers, Electricians, Students and Those Desiring to acquire a Working Knowledge of Electricity and its Applications by Hawkins, Nehemiah

I do not know whether I shall be successful in lighting a gas-jet with the electrophorus, but I will try.

From The Story of a Tinder-box by Tidy, Charles Meymott

His electrophorus in one form consisted of a disk of non-conducting material, such as pitch or resin, placed between two metal sheets, one being provided with an insulating handle.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 2 "Ehud" to "Electroscope" by Various

These tiny sparks from the electrophorus, or the bigger discharges of an electrical machine, can be stored in a simple apparatus called a Leyden jar, which was discovered by accident.

From The Story of Electricity by Munro, John