corona discharge

noun, Electricity

a discharge, frequently luminous, at the surface of a conductor or between two conductors of the same transmission line, accompanied by ionization of the surrounding atmosphere and often by a power loss.

Also called corona, electric glow, St. Elmo's fire.

Compare brush discharge.

Origin

1915-20

British Dictionary definitions for corona discharge

corona discharge

noun

an electrical discharge appearing on and around the surface of a charged conductor, caused by ionization of the surrounding gas Also called corona See also Saint Elmo's fire

corona discharge in Science

corona discharge
An electrical discharge characterized by a corona, occurring when one of two conducting surfaces (such as electrodes) of differing voltages has a pointed shape, resulting in a highly concentrated electric field at its tip that ionizes the air (or other gas) around it. Corona discharge can result in power loss in the transmission of electric power, and is used in photocopying machines and air-purification devices. See also electric arc.