Solenoid

2 definitions found

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

  Solenoid \So"len*oid\, n.[Gr. ??? channel + -oid.] (Elec.)
     An electrodynamic spiral having the conjuctive wire turned
     back along its axis, so as to neutralize that component of
     the effect of the current which is due to the length of the
     spiral, and reduce the whole effect to that of a series of
     equal and parallel circular currents. When traversed by a


     current the solenoid exhibits polarity and attraction or
     repulsion, like a magnet.
     [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  solenoid
       n : a coil of wire around an iron core; becomes a magnet when
           current passes through the coil