mercury arc

noun

, Electricity.

mercury arc

1. an electric discharge through ionized mercury vapour, producing a brilliant bluish-green light containing ultraviolet radiation
2. ( as modifier ) See also ignitron
  a mercury-arc rectifier

First recorded in 1915–20

The mercury arc rectifier is a device for changing an alternating current into a direct current.

It is a device broadly similar to the mercury-arc lamp produced by Peter Cooper Hewitt.

The mercury-arc rectifier proper consists of a glass bulb containing vacuum and a small amount of mercury.

The circuit of a mercury-arc rectifier charging outfit is shown in Fig. 415.

A term usually used in connection with electrolytic apparatus, mercury arc rectifiers, and electric arcs.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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