electroscope

noun

elec·​tro·​scope i-ˈlek-trə-ˌskōp How to pronounce electroscope (audio)
: any of various instruments for detecting the presence of an electric charge on a body, for determining whether the charge is positive or negative, or for indicating and measuring intensity of radiation

Examples of electroscope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web They were first discovered in 1912 by Austrian physicist Victor Hess via a series of ascents in a hydrogen balloon to take measurements of radiation in the atmosphere with an electroscope. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 23 Nov. 2023 One possibility was that there was some sort of radiation striking the electroscope. Ethan Siegel, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2021

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

Word History

Etymology

probably from French électroscope

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electroscope was in 1776

Dictionary Entries Near electroscope

Cite this Entry

“Electroscope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electroscope. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

electroscope

noun
elec·​tro·​scope i-ˈlek-trə-ˌskōp How to pronounce electroscope (audio)
: any of various instruments for detecting the presence of an electric charge on a body, for finding out whether the charge is positive or negative, or for indicating and measuring intensity of radiation

Medical Definition

electroscope

noun
elec·​tro·​scope i-ˈlek-trə-ˌskōp How to pronounce electroscope (audio)
: any of various instruments for detecting the presence of an electric charge on a body, for determining whether the charge is positive or negative, or for indicating and measuring intensity of radiation

More from Merriam-Webster on electroscope

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