induction coil
- 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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Origin of induction coil
First recorded in 1875–80
Also called Ruhmkorff coil.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for induction coil
Historical Examples
The purpose of the induction-coil is to raise the voltage of the battery.
Home-made Toys for Girls and BoysA. Neely Hall
In so doing, you have simply had the current from the secondary of an induction-coil.
ABC of ElectricityWilliam Henry Meadowcroft
When these two wires are wound in coils, together they form an induction-coil.
The Story of Great InventionsElmer Ellsworth Burns
Faraday, as we have seen, discovered the principle of the induction-coil.
The Story of Great InventionsElmer Ellsworth Burns
The induction-coil may be operated by a storage battery or dynamo.
The Story of Great InventionsElmer Ellsworth Burns
induction 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 coreSometimes shortened to: coil
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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
induction coil
- 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. Compare capacitor.
- 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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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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