spark gap

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. a space between two electrodes, across which a discharge of electricity may take place.

2. the electrodes and the space between, considered as a unit: used in ignition systems.

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spark gap British  

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: gap.  the space between two electrodes across which a spark can jump

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spark gap Scientific  

1. A gap in an otherwise closed electric circuit across which a discharge occurs at a prescribed voltage. The discharge often causes ionization of the surrounding gas and thereby very high temperatures, and can be exploited, as in spark plugs, to ignite engine fuel in a combustion chamber.

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Etymology

Origin of spark gap

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The spark gap is warmed by a small lamp l contained in the box.

From Project Gutenberg

Let us then suppose that the insulation of the spark gap is destroyed, so that the opposite electric charges rush together and oscillate to and fro.

From Project Gutenberg

Then turn over the motor, thus revolving the magneto armature, and see if a spark is produced at the spark gaps of the plugs.

From Project Gutenberg

Frank sat down at the key and, depressing it, sent a blue-white flame crackling across the spark gap.

From Project Gutenberg

This apparatus acts, as a powerful and effective interrupter and takes the place of the spark gap now used in discharging the condensers for setting up electrical waves.

From Project Gutenberg