space charge

noun

Electricity.

1. a distribution of an excess of electrons or ions over a three-dimensional region, in contrast to the distribution of an electric charge over the surface of a conductor.

Word History and Origins

Origin of space charge¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

It seems this old saw may be more true than previously thought, as a new study in the journal iScience suggests that insects can be a source of "atmospheric space charge," which is the level of electricity in the atmosphere.

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