pinch effect

American  

noun

Physics.

1. the tendency of an electric conductor or stream of charged particles to constrict, caused by the action of a magnetic field that is produced by a flow of electricity.

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pinch effect British  

noun

1. the constriction of a beam of charged particles, caused by a force on each particle due to its motion in the magnetic field generated by the movement of the other particles

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Etymology

Origin of pinch effect

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Kurchatov told how Russian scientists experimented elaborately with one of the most promising methods, the "pinch effect."

From Time Magazine Archive

Scientists of all countries know about the pinch effect, but their work with it has been minor, or is still secret.

From Time Magazine Archive

This "pinch effect" is the most promising approach to thermonuclear power, but unfortunately the pinched current wriggles so violently that it tends to slam in millionths of a second against the walls of its container.

From Time Magazine Archive

“As a power engineer, you should be acquainted with the ‘pinch effect,’ eh?”

From Project Gutenberg

The “pinch effect” had been known for over a century.

From Project Gutenberg