electroscope

American  

[ih-lek-truh-skohp] / ɪˈlɛk trəˌskoʊp /

noun

1. a device for detecting the presence and determining the sign of electric charges by means of electrostatic attraction and repulsion, often between two pieces of gold leaf enclosed in a glass-walled chamber.

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electroscope British  

/ ɪˈlɛktrəʊˌskəʊp, ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈskɒpɪk /

noun

1. an apparatus for detecting an electric charge, typically consisting of a rod holding two gold foils that separate when a charge is applied

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Other Word Forms

• electroscopic adjective

Etymology

Origin of electroscope

First recorded in 1815–25; electro- + -scope

Example Sentences

This principle is used in making an electroscope, which is a scientific instrument that detects electrical charges.

From Scientific American

On Its Centenary, Celebrating a Ride That Advanced Physics BAD SAAROW-PIESKOW, Germany — Precisely where Victor Hess, his electroscopes and his hot-air balloon touched down is a mystery.

From New York Times

Such a difference is what a gold-leaf electroscope indicates for its gold leaves and the walls surrounding the air-space in which they are suspended.

From Project Gutenberg

In order to ascertain whether bodies are electrified or not, instruments called electroscopes are used.

From Project Gutenberg

In its simplest form the electrometer is called the "electroscope."

From Project Gutenberg