Definition

Noun: - An electrical discharge through a gas: An "electric arc" is a visible, continuous electrical discharge that occurs when a strong electric current flows through a gas, such as air, creating a channel of ionized gas (plasma). It is characterized by intense heat and bright light.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The welder used an electric arc to join the two pieces of metal.
  • A lightning strike is a powerful, natural example of an electric arc.
  • The faulty switch caused an electric arc, which damaged the equipment.

Advanced Usage

• "To strike an arc": To initiate an electric arc, typically in welding or electrical switching.
  • The technician carefully struck an arc to begin the welding process.
• "Arc flash": A dangerous, explosive release of energy caused by an electric arc.
  • Workers must wear protective gear to guard against the hazards of an arc flash.

Variants and Related Words

• Arc (noun/verb): A common short form for "electric arc." As a verb, it means to form or cause an electric arc.
  • The electricity arced across the broken wires.
• Arc welding (noun): A welding process that uses an electric arc to melt and join metals.
• Arc lamp (noun): A lamp that produces light from an electric arc.

Synonyms

• Electrical discharge: A broader term for the flow of electricity through a medium like a gas.
• Plasma channel: Refers to the conductive path of ionized gas created by the arc.

Related Phrases

• Arc over (phrasal verb): For an electrical current to jump across a gap as an arc, often unintentionally.
  • The high voltage caused the current to arc over the insulator.
• Extinguish an arc (verb phrase): To stop or quench an electric arc.
  • The circuit breaker is designed to quickly extinguish an arc.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field