lightning arrester


noun

a device for preventing damage to radio, telephonic, or other electric equipment from lightning or other high-voltage currents, using spark gaps to carry the current to the ground without passing through the device.
Also called arrester.

Origin of lightning arrester

First recorded in 1855–60

Example sentences from the Web for lightning arrester

  • Inspect for contact of lightning-arrester carbons: a piece of writing-paper should pass between them easily.

    The Gunner's Examiner |Harold E. Cloke

British Dictionary definitions for lightning arrester

lightning arrester

noun

a device that protects electrical equipment, such as an aerial, from an excessive voltage resulting from a lightning discharge or other accidental electric surge, by discharging it to earth