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electroscope
noun
elec·tro·scope
i-ˈlek-trə-ˌskōp
: any of various instruments for detecting the presence of an electric charge on a body, for determining whether the charge is positive or negative, or for indicating and measuring intensity of radiation
Examples of electroscope in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
They were first discovered in 1912 by Austrian physicist Victor Hess via a series of ascents in a hydrogen balloon to take measurements of radiation in the atmosphere with an electroscope.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 23 Nov. 2023
One possibility was that there was some sort of radiation striking the electroscope.
—Ethan Siegel, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2021
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Word History
Etymology
probably from French électroscope
First Known Use
1776, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near electroscope
Cite this Entry
“Electroscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electroscope. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
electroscope
noun
elec·tro·scope
i-ˈlek-trə-ˌskōp
: any of various instruments for detecting the presence of an electric charge on a body, for finding out whether the charge is positive or negative, or for indicating and measuring intensity of radiation
Medical Definition
electroscope
noun
elec·tro·scope
i-ˈlek-trə-ˌskōp
: any of various instruments for detecting the presence of an electric charge on a body, for determining whether the charge is positive or negative, or for indicating and measuring intensity of radiation
More from Merriam-Webster on electroscope
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about electroscope
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