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Glite Dictionary
brush discharge

brush discharge

9.9
A faint blue electric glow with many thin light rays that appears when high voltage makes a spark
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : descarga de cepillo
  • A faint blue glow, typical of brush discharge, appeared at the tip of the metal rod.

Examples

  • The presence of a brush discharge near the power line indicated insulation failure.

  • Scientists studied the brush discharge patterns formed under high-voltage conditions.

  • The brush discharge occurred during the storm.

  • Can you explain what a brush discharge is?

  • A faint blue glow, typical of brush discharge, appeared at the tip of the metal rod.

  • Scientists studied the brush discharge patterns formed under high-voltage conditions.

  • The presence of a brush discharge near the power line indicated insulation failure.

Synonyms

discharge
vsbrush discharge
  • Specialized
36 6.9

A sudden flow of electricity that makes light or sparks

is the particular case with visible multiple streamers at sharp electrode voltage differences
electrical discharge
vsbrush discharge
  • Specialized
1 4.2

A sudden flow of electricity that makes a spark or flash

is a narrower form showing many visible streamers between electrodes at high voltage gradients
electric discharge
vsbrush discharge
  • Specialized
1 5.2

A flow of electricity through a gas that makes light or a spark

is more specific, producing multiple visible streamers at points of high voltage change

Surface Forms

brush discharge singular
brush discharges plural

Morphology

brush + discharge

The compound is compositionally built from 'brush' (a contact/carbon brush or brush-like shape) and 'discharge' (release of electric charge), so a learner who knows both words can infer an electrical release associated with or resembling a brush. However, the term is technical and the specific interpretation (whether it refers to a discharge at a brush contact or to brush-like streamers) requires domain knowledge, making the meaning only partially predictable for a B1 learner.

Etymology

Brush discharge comes from the way electric sparks spread out like the bristles of a brush, so the bright threads look like hairs from a brush. The word discharge means the 'flow' of electricity, so the term describes a spark or 'glow' that forms many thin, brush-like streaks between high-voltage points.