induction coil

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. a transformer for producing high-voltage alternating current from a low-voltage direct current, consisting essentially of two concentric coils with a common soft-iron core, a primary coil with relatively few windings of heavy wire, and a secondary coil with many turns of fine wire. Excitation of the primary coil by rapidly interrupted or variable current induces high voltage in the secondary coil.

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induction coil British  

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: coil.  a transformer for producing a high voltage from a low voltage. It consists of a cylindrical primary winding of few turns, a concentric secondary winding of many turns, and often a common soft-iron core

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induction coil Scientific  

1. An electrical device consisting of a single coil of conductive material, often surrounding a metallic core, designed to establish a strong magnetic field around the coil. Changes in the current flow through the coil cause fluctuations in the magnetic field that induce a voltage across the coil. Induction coils have many applications, especially in circuits that tune to signals of specific frequencies, as in radios. The ability of an induction coil to induce a voltage is called inductance, and is measured in henrys.

2. Compare capacitor

3. A type of transformer that changes a low-voltage direct current to a high-voltage alternating current. Induction coils are used for many purposes, especially as spark coils for firing spark plugs in automobile engines and starting oil burners.

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Etymology

Origin of induction coil

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

It's called induction welding, and it uses an induction coil to create an electromagnetic field that heats the metal for welding.

From Science Daily • Dec. 14, 2023

And a magnetic induction coil controls a metal plate that conducts heat away from the electrode to rapidly cool it down and shut off the scent.

From Scientific American • May 9, 2023

An induction coil safely boils water, a centralized milk vessel keeps cream cold, and an auto-dimming digital display sets both brewing and alarm schedules.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 1, 2022

William Stanley invented the induction coil in 1893.

From Washington Post • Feb. 2, 2017

It was thought to hold promise for medicine, too: Edison marketed his inductorium, an induction coil, as a guaranteed cure for rheumatism, gout, nervous diseases, and sciatica.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover