electron gun

noun

: an electron-emitting cathode and its surrounding assembly (such as electromagnets in a cathode-ray tube) for directing, controlling, and focusing a beam of electrons

Examples of electron gun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Like Lindenblad in his earlier design, Kompfner used a precision electron gun, unavailable at the time of Haeff’s pioneering work, to direct the beam along the central axis right inside the helix. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Aug. 2015 When the set is shut down, the electromagnets deactivate and the remnant beam from the electron gun defaults momentarily to the center of the screen before dying out—but not always in the same spot, as Crippens discovered. Rebecca Horne, Discover Magazine, 2 June 2010 The researchers expect that the whole kit, including the electron gun, can be encapsulated on a chip. Chris Lee, Ars Technica, 22 July 2019 Varying the output of the electron gun, however, can create a lopsided force deliberately, permitting the craft to be steered. The Economist, 21 Sep. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'electron gun.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electron gun was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near electron gun

Cite this Entry

“Electron gun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electron%20gun. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

electron gun

noun
: the part of a cathode-ray tube that produces, accelerates, and focuses a stream of electrons

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