Wiktionary
pinch effect
n. (context physics English) the magnetic self-attraction of parallel electric currents having the same direction; the restriction of a flowing plasma because of this attraction
Usage examples of "pinch effect".
But the magnetic field set up a pinch effect that controlled the plasma, keeping it apart from anything it might devour.
There was some trouble with the plasma pinch effect, and no parts to do a full repair.
Humphreys estimated the current transferred by a lightning flash by the pinch effect produced on a lightning rod which had been struck and crushed by the attraction of the current elements on each other during the discharge.