Etymology: J. Wimshurst, Engl. engineer d. 1903
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noun
electrical device that produces a high voltage by building up a charge of static electricity
• Hypernyms: ↑electrical device
• Hyponyms: ↑electrophorus
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\\ˈwimzˌhərst-\ nounUsage: usually capitalized W
Etymology: after James Wimshurst died 1903 English engineer
: an electric machine of the induction type having two closely parallel glass plates revolving in opposite directions and bearing a set of metal carriers corresponding pairs of which on the two plates act momentarily as small electrophorus elements and usually being provided with Leyden jars for storing the accumulated charges
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/wimz"herrst/, Elect.
a device for the production of electric charge by electrostatic induction, consisting of two oppositely rotating glass or mica disks carrying metal strips upon which charges are induced and subsequently removed by contact with metallic combs. Also called Wimshurst generator.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.