Definition

1. Noun:
   • An electrical discharge accompanied by ionization of surrounding atmosphere: A luminous phenomenon resulting from the flow of electric current through a gas, causing the gas to ionize and emit light. This is a specific type of plasma discharge.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The scientist studied the faint electric glow inside the experimental vacuum tube.
  • In the dark room, the neon sign emitted a steady, colorful electric glow.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: Often used in physics and engineering to describe the visible light from a non-thermal plasma, such as in glow discharges, neon lights, or certain types of electrical corona effects.
  • The electric glow observed in the Geissler tube is a classic demonstration of gas discharge physics.

Variants and Related Words

• Glow discharge (n): A type of plasma formed by the passage of electric current through a low-pressure gas; it is the physical process that often produces an "electric glow."
  • The operation of some plasma televisions relies on the principles of a glow discharge.
• Corona discharge (n): An electrical discharge brought on by the ionization of a fluid surrounding a conductor; it can sometimes produce a visible glow.
  • A faint corona discharge, or electric glow, was visible around the high-voltage power line.

Synonyms

• Luminous discharge: An electrical discharge that produces light.
• Gas discharge: The flow of electric current through a gas, often resulting in emission of light.

Related Phrases

• To emit a glow: To produce or give off a steady light.
  • The argon gas began to emit a soft blue glow when the voltage was applied.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. an electrical discharge accompanied by ionization of surrounding atmosphere