corona discharge

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Word: Corona Discharge

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A corona discharge is a type of electrical discharge that occurs when a high voltage is applied to a conductor, causing the surrounding air (or atmosphere) to become ionized. This means that the air molecules become charged and can conduct electricity. This process can create a visible glow, often seen as a bluish light around the conductor.

Usage Instructions:

You would typically use "corona discharge" in scientific or engineering contexts, particularly when discussing electricity, high-voltage systems, or atmospheric phenomena.

Example:

• "The power lines emitted a faint glow due to corona discharge during the stormy weather."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced discussions, you might hear corona discharge mentioned in relation to electrical engineering, high voltage equipment, or atmospheric science. For example: - "The engineers designed the insulators to minimize corona discharge, as it can lead to energy losses and damage."

Word Variants:

• Corona (noun): Refers to the outer atmosphere of a star or the glow around a conductor in this context.
• Discharge (noun): The release of electricity or other energy.

Different Meanings:

• Corona can also refer to the crown of a celestial body, such as the sun.
• Discharge can mean to release or let go of something, like discharging a patient from a hospital.

Synonyms:

• Electrical discharge
• Spark (in some contexts)
• Ionization

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "corona discharge" doesn't have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you might encounter phrases related to electricity, such as: - "Short circuit": A fault in an electrical circuit that allows current to travel along an unintended path. - "Blow a fuse": To cause a fuse to break due to too much electrical current, similar to how corona discharge can indicate problems in a system.

Summary:

"Corona discharge" refers to an electrical phenomenon that occurs around high-voltage conductors, making the surrounding air conductive and visible through a glow.

Academic

Noun

1. an electrical discharge accompanied by ionization of surrounding atmosphere

Synonyms

• corona
• corposant
• St. Elmo's fire
• Saint Elmo's fire
• Saint Elmo's light
• Saint Ulmo's fire
• Saint Ulmo's light
• electric glow