solenoid

[ soh-luh-noid, sol-uh- ]

/ ˈsoʊ ləˌnɔɪd, ˈsɒl ə- /

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noun

Electricity. an electric conductor wound as a helix with small pitch, or as two or more coaxial helices, so that current through the conductor establishes a magnetic field within the conductor.

Also called solenoid switch . a switch controlled by such an arrangement, in which a metal rod moves when the current is turned on: used in automotive starting systems.

Meteorology. a space formed by the intersection of isobaric and isosteric surfaces.

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Origin of solenoid

1825–35; <French solénoïde<Greek sōlḗn pipe, channel + French -oïde-oid

Words nearby solenoid

solemn vow, solenette, solenocyte, solenodon, solenogaster, solenoid, solenoidal, Solent, soleplate, soleprint, Soler

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use solenoid in a sentence

The amount the armature B is rotated will depend upon the relative effects of the pole of the solenoid and the permanent magnet G.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various
The effect can be very greatly increased by providing the solenoid with a soft-iron core.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia|Various
It was International code—being sent as fast as the solenoid could be operated.
The Velvet Glove|Harry Harrison
Such a low, parallel magnetic field would quite probably be found inside of a simple solenoid coil.
Where I Wasn't Going|Walt Richmond

On the lower horizontal roller carrying the supply of paper is a ratchet and pawl movement, actuated by a solenoid.
Practical Cinematography and Its Applications|Frederick Arthur Ambrose Talbot

British Dictionary definitions for solenoid

solenoid

/ (ˈsəʊlɪˌnɔɪd) /

noun

a coil of wire, usually cylindrical, in which a magnetic field is set up by passing a current through it

a coil of wire, partially surrounding an iron core, that is made to move inside the coil by the magnetic field set up by a current: used to convert electrical to mechanical energy, as in the operation of a switch

such a device used as a relay, as in a motor vehicle for connecting the battery directly to the starter motor when activated by the ignition switch

Derived forms of solenoid

solenoidal, adjectivesolenoidally, adverb

Word Origin for solenoid

C19: from French solénoïde, from Greek sōlēn a pipe, tube

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for solenoid

solenoid

[ sō′lə-noid′ ]

A coil of wire that acts as an electromagnet when electric current is passed through it, often used to control the motion of metal objects, such as the switch of a relay.