mercury arc

a bluish-green electric arc that has passed through a mercury-vapor cathode.

Origin of mercury arc

First recorded in 1915–20

Another lamp differing widely in appearance from the preceding arcs may be described here because it is known as the mercury-arc.

Artificial Light |M. Luckiesh
The mercury-arc rectifier proper consists of a glass bulb containing vacuum and a small amount of mercury.

Cyclopedia of Telephony and Telegraphy, Vol. 2 |Kempster Miller
The circuit of a mercury-arc rectifier charging outfit is shown in Fig. 415.

Cyclopedia of Telephony and Telegraphy, Vol. 2 |Kempster Miller
It is a device broadly similar to the mercury-arc lamp produced by Peter Cooper Hewitt.

Cyclopedia of Telephony and Telegraphy, Vol. 2 |Kempster Miller

For example, assume that phosphorescent zinc sulphide is excited by the light from a mercury-arc.

Artificial Light |M. Luckiesh

mercury arc

an electric discharge through ionized mercury vapour, producing a brilliant bluish-green light containing ultraviolet radiation
(as modifier)a mercury-arc rectifier See also ignitron