WordNet
n. electrical device that produces a high voltage by building up a charge of static electricity [syn: electrostatic machine, Wimshurst machine, Van de Graaff generator]
Wikipedia
An electrostatic generator, or electrostatic machine, is an electromechanical generator that produces static electricity, or electricity at high voltage and low continuous current. The knowledge of static electricity dates back to the earliest civilizations, but for millennia it remained merely an interesting and mystifying phenomenon, without a theory to explain its behavior and often confused with magnetism. By the end of the 17th Century, researchers had developed practical means of generating electricity by friction, but the development of electrostatic machines did not begin in earnest until the 18th century, when they became fundamental instruments in the studies about the new science of electricity. Electrostatic generators operate by using manual (or other) power to transform mechanical work into electric energy. Electrostatic generators develop electrostatic charges of opposite signs rendered to two conductors, using only electric forces, and work by using moving plates, drums, or belts to carry electric charge to a high potential electrode. The charge is generated by one of two methods: either the triboelectric effect (friction) or electrostatic induction.
Usage examples of "electrostatic generator".
It growled again, a shocking sound from an animal so soppy-friendly and so young, and its slightly shaggy brown-gray coat was bristling as if it had been plunged into a giant electrostatic generator.
This was because it was holding down a poultice of honey and horse manure and a small mouse-powered electrostatic generator he’.
This was because it was holding down a poultice of honey and horse manure and a small mouse-powered electrostatic generator he'd got those clever young fellas in the High Energy Magic research building to knock together for him, clever fellas they were, one day he might even understand half of what they were always gabblin' on about.
It growled again, a shocking sound from an animal so soppy-friendly and so young, and its slightly shaggy brown-grey coat was bristling as if it had been plunged into a giant electrostatic generator.
Then another piece of the puzzle fell into place -- Katanji had reported bronze gratings at the tower doors and had seen a big gold ball on a column -- an electrostatic generator, of course.