electroscope

[ih-lek-truh-skohp]

noun

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.

Origin of electroscope

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

Related formse·lec·tro·scop·ic

[ih-lek-truh-skop-ik] /ɪˌlɛk trəˈskɒp ɪk/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for electroscope

Historical Examples of electroscope

I now show you by this electroscope that these charges are unlike in character.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 647, May 26, 1888
Various
The leaves of the latter will separate showing that the electroscope is charged.
Physics
Willis Eugene Tower
At the lower end of the tube are two gold leaves as in an electroscope.
Perpetual Motion
Percy Verance
This he appropriately called a versorium; we would call it an electroscope.
Makers of Electricity
Brother Potamian
In its simplest form the electrometer is called the "electroscope."
Marvels of Scientific Invention
Thomas W. Corbin

British Dictionary definitions for electroscope

electroscope

noun

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

Derived Formselectroscopic (ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈskɒpɪk), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012