spark gap

noun, Electricity
1.
a space between two electrodes, across which a discharge of electricity may take place.
2.
the electrodes and the space between, considered as a unit: used in ignition systems.
Origin
1885-90
Examples from the web for spark gap
  • Typical maintenance involved cleaning the spark plug, adjusting spark gap and adjusting the air-fuel ratio.
British Dictionary definitions for spark gap

spark gap

noun
1.
the space between two electrodes across which a spark can jump Sometimes shortened to gap
spark gap in Science
spark gap  
A gap in an otherwise closed electric circuit across which a discharge occurs at a prescribed voltage. The discharge often causes ionization of the surrounding gas and thereby very high temperatures, and can be exploited, as in spark plugs, to ignite engine fuel in a combustion chamber.