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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spark gap

But by moving the spark gap nearer to or farther from the gun's muzzle, the bullet can be snapped at various points of its trajectory.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is only upon examination of the spark gap of fact into idea, or material into metaphor that the author is helpless.

From Time Magazine Archive

If we lengthen the spark gap too much, its resistance becomes too great and the spark ceases to be oscillatory.

From Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy by John Ambrose Fleming

I, induction coil; CC, condensers; S, spark gap; J, transmitting jigger; K, receiving jigger; F, filings tube; R, relay; B, battery.

From Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy by John Ambrose Fleming

I, induction coil; A, aerial; E, earth plate; HH, choking coils; S, spark gap; J, transmitting jigger; K, receiving jigger; R, relay; C, condenser; F, filings tube; B, battery.

From Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy by John Ambrose Fleming

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