Coherer

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Coherer \Co*her"er\, n. (Elec.)
     Any device in which an imperfectly conducting contact between
     pieces of metal or other conductors loosely resting against
     each other is materially improved in conductivity by the
     influence of Hertzian waves; -- so called by Sir O. J. Lodge
     in 1894 on the assumption that the impact of the electic


     waves caused the loosely connected parts to cohere, or weld
     together, a condition easily destroyed by tapping. A common
     form of coherer as used in wireless telegraphy consists of a
     tube containing filings (usually a pinch of nickel and silver
     filings in equal parts) between terminal wires or plugs
     (called
  
     {conductor plugs}).
        [Webster 1913 Suppl.]