skin effect

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. the phenomenon in which an alternating current tends to concentrate in the outer layer of a conductor, caused by the self-induction of the conductor and resulting in increased resistance.

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skin effect British  

noun

1. the tendency of alternating current to concentrate in the surface layer of a conductor, esp at high frequencies, thus increasing its effective resistance

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Etymology

Origin of skin effect

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

He pointed out also that the skin effect is largely modified by the presence of the gas or of an atomic medium in general.

From The inventions, researches and writings of Nikola Tesla With special reference to his work in polyphase currents and high potential lighting by Martin, Thomas Commerford

It is used to reduce the skin effect.

From The Radio Amateur's Hand Book by Collins, A. Frederick (Archie Frederick)

This is greater than its ordinary ohmic resistance due to the skin effect.

From The Radio Amateur's Hand Book by Collins, A. Frederick (Archie Frederick)

This uneven distribution of the current is known as the skin effect and it amounts to the same thing as reducing the size of the wire, hence the resistance is increased.

From The Radio Amateur's Hand Book by Collins, A. Frederick (Archie Frederick)