ignitron

[ ig-nahy-tron, ig-ni-tron ]
/ ɪgˈnaɪ trɒn, ˈɪg nɪ trɒn /

noun Electronics.

a cathode-arc vacuum tube with an auxiliary electrode projecting into a pool of mercury: it conducts current when the anode is positive.

Origin of ignitron

First recorded in 1930–35; igni(ter) + -tron

Words nearby ignitron

ignition coil, ignition interlock, ignition key, ignition point, ignition system, ignitron, ignoble, ignominious, ignominy, ignoramus, ignorance

British Dictionary definitions for ignitron

ignitron
/ (ɪɡˈnaɪtrɒn, ˈɪɡnɪˌtrɒn) /

noun

a mercury-arc rectifier controlled by a subsidiary electrode, the igniter, partially immersed in a mercury cathode. A current passed between igniter and cathode forms a hot spot sufficient to strike an arc between cathode and anode

Word Origin for ignitron

C20: from igniter + electron