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An instrument for reversing the direction of an electric current. [Written also reotrope.]

ride out the gale. to ride the lightning, (Colloq.) to be executed by electrocution in an electric chair.

The cushion of an electrical machine.

sthead and the yardams. It has also been observed on land, and is due to the discharge of electricity from elevated or pointed objects. A single flame is called a Helena, or a Corposant; a double, or twin, flame is called a Castor and Pollux, or a double Corposant. It takes its name from St. Elmo, the patron saint of s…

To emit sparks, or fine igneous particles. As the electrical globe only scintillates when rubbed against its cushion. Sir W. Scott.

An order of fresh-water fishes inhabiting tropical Africa. They have rudimentary electrical organs on each side of the tail.

econdary current (Elec.), a momentary current induced in a closed circuit by a current of electricity passing through the same or a contiguous circuit at the beginning and also at the end of the passage of the primary current. -- Secondary evidence, that which is admitted upon failure to obtain the primary or best evi…

allic- looking substance. It exhibits under the action of light a remarkable variation in electric conductivity, and is used in certain electric apparatus. Symbol Se. Atomic weight 78.9.

A mechanism (usually one operated by electricity, compressed air, a spring, or an explosive gas), attached to an internal- combustion engine, as on an automobile, and used as a means of starting the engine without cranking it by hand.

is injected in a spray just before the end of the compression stroke and is fired without electrical ignition. The fuel is sprayed into an iron box (called a hot bulb or hot pot) opening into the combustion chamber, and heated for ignition by a blast-lamp until the engine is running, when it is, ordinarily, kept red ho…

with the feeling of a concussion, caused by the discharge, through the animal system, of electricity from a charged body.

A form of silicon carbide, produced in the electric furnace, possessing great hardness, and high electrical resistance, and not subject to oxidation below 2880º F., or 1600º C.

A self-induction coil used to increase the spark in an electric gas-lighting apparatus.

The space filled with air or other dielectric between high potential terminals (as of an electrostatic machine, induction coil, or condenser), through which the discharge passes; the air gap of a jump spark.

In internal-combustion engines with electric ignition, a plug, screwed into the cylinder head, having through it an insulated wire which is connected with the induction coil or magneto circuit on the outside, and forms, with another terminal on the base of the plug, a spark gap inside the cylinder.

, that of water being 1.000. -- Specific inductive capacity (Physics), the effect of a dielectric body in producing static electric induction as compared with that of some other body or bodies referred to as a standard. -- Specific legacy (Law), a bequest of a particular thing, as of a particular animal or piece of f…

An electrical instrument for determining by the ear the rhythm of the pulse of a person at a distance.

An electric dynamometer having two coils so arranged that one carries the primary current, and the other the secondary current, of a transformer.

Pertaining to bodies at rest or in equilibrium. Statical electricity. See Note under Electricity, 1. -- Statical moment. See under Moment.

o irritate; especially, to excite the activity of (a nerve or an irritable muscle), as by electricity.