electroscope

American  

[ih-lek-truh-skohp] / ɪˈlɛk trəˌskoʊp /

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.

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electroscope British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• electroscopic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of electroscope

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

electroscope

There, some are transferred to the positive rod by touch, leaving the electroscope with a net positive charge.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

However, while the rod is close, the electroscope is momentarily grounded and then the rod is removed.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

Specifically, what would the leaves of the electroscope do if other charged objects were brought near its knob?

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

At the beginning of the present century Geitel of Germany, experimenting with a quartz-fibre electroscope, noticed that for no apparent reason the air in his instrument gradually became more electrified or ionized.

From Time Magazine Archive

When the spark passed the cells charged up the electroscope.

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