Tesla coil

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. an air-core transformer used to produce high voltages of high-frequency alternating currents.

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tesla coil British  

noun

1. a step-up transformer with an air core, used for producing high voltages at high frequencies. The secondary circuit is tuned to resonate with the primary winding

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tesla coil Scientific  

1. An electrical device that generates extremely high voltages, usually for the purpose of creating dramatic electric arcs and lightning effects or for producing x-rays. Tesla coils use step-up transformers to boost the voltage of a power supply and build up large charges in a capacitor. A spark gap periodically shorts out the capacitor, releasing its charge in huge current flows, that generate extremely high voltages (up to ten million volts) through an open-air transformer.

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Etymology

Origin of Tesla coil

First recorded in 1900–05; named after its inventor, N. Tesla

Example Sentences

Here, we had a 1.5 million volt Tesla coil, throwing 8-to-12-foot real sparks.

From New York Times • Dec. 30, 2020

While still in high school, Markham and a friend, Tom Sheally, built a Tesla coil that could make lightning 3 or 4 feet long.

From Washington Times • Oct. 31, 2020

In Griffith Park, we oozed uphill through heavy traffic toward the Tesla coil.

From Slate • Oct. 2, 2020

Björk’s live shows are ever-shifting experiences – you never know if you’ll get a full orchestra, a giant musical Tesla coil or a 12-strong flute club.

From The Guardian • Apr. 7, 2020

It was, We’ve streamlined the Tesla coil for personal use—you can even wear it in your hair!

From "Feed" by M.T. Anderson