phantom circuit

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. a circuit derived from two suitably arranged pairs of wires, each pair being a circuit side circuit and also acting as one half of an additional derived circuit, the entire system providing the capabilities of three circuits while requiring wires for only two.

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Etymology

Origin of phantom circuit

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

phantom circuit

If one physical line is longer than the other, a phantom circuit may be formed as in Fig.

From Cyclopedia of Telephony and Telegraphy, Vol. 2 A General Reference Work on Telephony, etc. etc. by McMeen, Samuel

One uncanny device, which would seem to be a mere inventor's fantasy if it had not already saved the telephone companies four million dollars or more, is known as the "phantom circuit."

From The History of the Telephone by Casson, Herbert Newton

Consequently, a conversation carried on over the phantom circuit will not be heard in either side circuit, nor does a conversation on one side circuit affect the phantom.

From The Dream Doctor by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)

Thus, currents passing over a phantom circuit don't set up currents in the terminal apparatus of the side circuits.

From The Dream Doctor by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)

"The phantom circuit?" repeated Brixton, chafing at the delay.

From The Dream Doctor by Reeve, Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin)