Definition

1. Noun:
   • An electrostatic generator: A "Wimshurst machine" is a specific type of historical electrical device designed to generate high voltages. It operates by manually turning a crank to rotate two contra-rotating discs, which use electrostatic induction to separate and accumulate electrical charges, ultimately producing static electricity sparks.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The physics professor demonstrated the principles of electrostatics using a Wimshurst machine.
  • In the museum's collection, a beautifully preserved 19th-century Wimshurst machine is on display.

Advanced Usage

• "to operate a Wimshurst machine": to use the device by turning its handle to generate sparks.
  • With careful handling, one can operate a Wimshurst machine to produce impressive electrical discharges.

Variants and Related Words

• Electrostatic generator (n): A general term for any device that produces high-voltage static electricity, such as a Van de Graaff generator or a Wimshurst machine.
• Influence machine (n): Another historical term for electrostatic generators like the Wimshurst machine that work on the principle of electrostatic influence or induction.

Synonyms

• Electrostatic generator: A device for producing high-voltage electricity through static charge separation.
• Influence machine: An electrostatic generator operating on the principle of influence.

Related Phrases

• Static electricity generator: A descriptive phrase for devices like the Wimshurst machine.
  • Before modern power supplies, scientists used static electricity generators like the Wimshurst machine for their experiments.

Noun

1. electrical device that produces a high voltage by building up a charge of static electricity