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

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

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 Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy by Fleming, John Ambrose

Mr. Jervis-Smith has also described an experiment to show how much the use of compressed air round a spark gap is of advantage in working an ordinary Tesla coil.

From Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy by Fleming, John Ambrose

The spark gap is made of a hard-wood base with two uprights to which are fastened strips of brass.

From Boy Scouts Handbook The First Edition, 1911 by Boy Scouts of America