electroscope

[ih-lek-truh-skohp]

noun

1. a device for detecting the presence and determining the sign of electric charges by means of electrostatic attraction and repulsion, often between two pieces of gold leaf enclosed in a glass-walled chamber.

electroscope

/ ɪˈlɛktrəʊˌskəʊp, ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈskɒpɪk /

noun

1. an apparatus for detecting an electric charge, typically consisting of a rod holding two gold foils that separate when a charge is applied

Other Word Forms

• electroscopic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of electroscope¹

First recorded in 1815–25; electro- + -scope

Example Sentences

This principle is used in making an electroscope, which is a scientific instrument that detects electrical charges.

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On Its Centenary, Celebrating a Ride That Advanced Physics BAD SAAROW-PIESKOW, Germany — Precisely where Victor Hess, his electroscopes and his hot-air balloon touched down is a mystery.

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As electroscopes used to be constructed, these walls were made of glass imperfectly covered, if at all, by conducting material, and the electroscope was quite indefinite and uncertain in its action.

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The gold leaf electroscope can be further used to indicate the kind of electricity on an excited body.

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In its simplest form the electrometer is called the "electroscope."

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