induction coil
noun Electricity.
a transformer for producing high-voltage alternating current from a low-voltage direct current, consisting essentially of two concentric coils with a common soft-iron core, a primary coil with relatively few windings of heavy wire, and a secondary coil with many turns of fine wire. Excitation of the primary coil by rapidly interrupted or variable current induces high voltage in the secondary coil.
Also called
Ruhmkorff coil.
Origin of induction coil
First recorded in 1875–80
Words nearby induction coil
induct,
inductance,
inductee,
inductile,
induction,
induction coil,
induction furnace,
induction hardening,
induction heating,
induction loop system,
induction motor
Example sentences from the Web for induction coil
British Dictionary definitions for induction coil
induction coil
noun
a transformer for producing a high voltage from a low voltage. It consists of a cylindrical primary winding of few turns, a concentric secondary winding of many turns, and often a common soft-iron core
Sometimes shortened to: coil
Scientific definitions for induction coil
induction coil
An electrical device consisting of a single coil of conductive material, often surrounding a metallic core, designed to establish a strong magnetic field around the coil. Changes in the current flow through the coil cause fluctuations in the magnetic field that induce a voltage across the coil. Induction coils have many applications, especially in circuits that tune to signals of specific frequencies, as in radios. The ability of an induction coil to induce a voltage is called inductance, and is measured in henrys. Compare capacitor.
A type of transformer that changes a low-voltage direct current to a high-voltage alternating current. Induction coils are used for many purposes, especially as spark coils for firing spark plugs in automobile engines and starting oil burners.