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

Derived Forms

• electroscopic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of electroscope

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

Example Sentences

In the second experiment the rod is only brought close to the electroscope but not in contact.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

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

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

In his article he reproduces a strip of film from the automatic electroscope aboard the Settle-Fordney balloon, one of the few real trophies ever brought down from stratonauts' stunts aloft.

From Time Magazine Archive

First charge the gold leaves of the electroscope by touching the knob with a glass rod rubbed on silk.

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