discharge tube


noun Electronics.

Origin of discharge tube

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example sentences from the Web for discharge tube

British Dictionary definitions for discharge tube

discharge tube

noun

electronics an electrical device in which current flow is by electrons and ions in an ionized gas, as in a fluorescent light or neon tube

Scientific definitions for discharge tube

discharge tube

A closed vessel having electrodes at either end and containing a gas at low pressure. When a sufficient voltage is applied to the electrodes, an electric current flows through the gas. Discharge tubes can be used to prevent current flow below a certain voltage; they can also function as lamps by the use of ionizing gas, which glows when current flows through the tube.