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Glite Dictionary
electrostatic machine

electrostatic machine

8.6
A machine that makes a strong electric charge by collecting static electricity
  • noun
  • /ɪˌlɛk.trəʊˈstæt.ɪk məˈʃiːn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : máquina electrostática
  • The electrostatic machine was used in the laboratory to demonstrate the principles of static electricity.

Examples

  • Early scientists built large electrostatic machines to generate powerful sparks and study electrical phenomena.

  • A Van de Graaff generator is a well-known type of electrostatic machine used in physics experiments.

  • The electrostatic machine produced a loud crackling sound.

  • Many scientists use an electrostatic machine for experiments.

  • The scientist used an electrostatic machine to demonstrate the principles of static electricity during the lecture.

  • In the laboratory, an electrostatic machine is essential for experiments involving high voltage generation.

  • Students often gather around the electrostatic machine to see the impressive sparks produced by static electricity.

Synonyms

electrostatic generator
vselectrostatic machine
  • Specialized
8.1

A machine that makes strong static electricity and can produce sparks

is the identical idea but uses an alternative common name
Wimshurst machine
vselectrostatic machine
  • Specialized
9.9

A machine with two rotating disks that makes strong static electricity and visible sparks

is a general device that does the same without specifying disks
Van de Graaff generator
vselectrostatic machine
  • Specialized
8.9

A machine that makes strong static electricity so sparks fly and hair stands up

is a general high voltage device not limited to belt mechanisms
electrophorus
vselectrostatic machine
  • Specialized
9.9

A simple device that makes static electricity using a metal plate and an insulator

focuses on high voltage generation rather than simple repeated charges

Surface Forms

electrostatic machine singular
electrostatic machines plural

Morphology

electrostatic + machine

The noun phrase is a straightforward adjectival composition: 'electrostatic' (pertaining to static electricity) modifies 'machine' (a device), so the combined meaning 'a device involving static electricity' is directly derivable from the parts. This Adj+N pattern is compositionally transparent and common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Electrostatic machine is named after the old image of rubbing amber to make small shocks and sparks. So a machine that did the same rubbing was called an electrostatic machine, meaning 'a machine that makes static electricity and sparks'.