electroscope

[ ih-lek-truh-skohp ]

/ ɪˈlɛk trəˌskoʊp /

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.

Nearby words

electroretinogram, electroretinograph, electroretinography, electrorheology, electroscission, electroscope, electrosensitive, electroshock, electroshock therapy, electrosmosis, electrostatic

Origin of electroscope

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

Related forms

e·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. 2019

Examples from the Web for electroscope

First charge the gold leaves of the electroscope by touching the knob with a glass rod rubbed on silk.
Hawkins Electrical Guide, Number One|Nehemiah Hawkins
Does G, which has an opposite charge to the electroscope, make L diverge more or less?
The Study of Elementary Electricity and Magnetism by Experiment|Thomas M. St. John
It will be found that as it does so the gold-leaves of the electroscope diverge, but collapse again if the ball is withdrawn.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3|Various
This singular power is also possessed by the ultra-violet rays of sunshine, as readily shown by an electroscope.
Inventors at Work|George Iles

In its simplest form the electrometer is called the "electroscope."
Marvels of Scientific Invention|Thomas W. Corbin

British Dictionary definitions for electroscope

electroscope

/ (ɪˈlɛktrəʊˌskəʊp) /

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 Forms

electroscopic (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