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.
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
"coil of insulated wire carrying an electrical current and having magnetic properties," 1827, from French solénoïde, from Greek solenoeides "pipe-shaped," from solen "pipe, channel" + comb. form of eidos "form, shape" (see -oid). Related: Solenoidal.
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.
