Definition

1. Noun:
   • An electrical discharge accompanied by ionization of surrounding atmosphere: A visible, often faint, luminous discharge of electricity that occurs when a strong electric field ionizes the air or other gas surrounding a conductor. It is characterized by a faint glow, hissing sound, and the production of ozone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The high-voltage power lines exhibited a faint blue corona discharge in the humid night air.
  • Corona discharge is a significant source of power loss in electrical transmission systems.
  • Scientists study corona discharge to understand electrical phenomena in the upper atmosphere.

Advanced Usage

• "Corona discharge effect": The phenomenon or the consequences of a corona discharge.
  • The corona discharge effect can lead to radio interference and energy loss.
• "To undergo corona discharge": To experience or be subject to this electrical phenomenon.
  • Sharp points on the electrode are more likely to undergo corona discharge.

Variants and Related Words

• Corona (n): Often used as a shortened, informal term for "corona discharge" in technical contexts.
  • The engineer measured the corona from the antenna.
• Electrical corona (n): A synonymous term.
• Partial discharge (n): A broader category of electrical discharges that includes corona discharge.
• St. Elmo's fire (n): A specific, naturally occurring type of corona discharge observed on pointed objects like ship masts during thunderstorms.

Synonyms

• Brush discharge: A type of corona discharge that appears as tufts or brushes of light.
• Glow discharge: A related electrical phenomenon involving ionization and luminescence in a gas, though often under different conditions (e.g., in a low-pressure tube).

Related Phrases

• Corona loss (n): The energy wasted due to corona discharge in power lines.
  • Utilities aim to minimize corona loss to improve efficiency.
• Corona ring (n): A device used to evenly distribute electrical field and suppress corona discharge on high-voltage equipment.
  • The insulator is fitted with a corona ring to prevent discharge.

Noun

1. an electrical discharge accompanied by ionization of surrounding atmosphere