WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
Wims′hurst machine′
(wimz′hûrst),USA pronunciation [Elect.]
- Electricitya device for the production of electric charge by electrostatic induction, consisting of two oppositely rotating glass or mica disks carrying metal strips upon which charges are induced and subsequently removed by contact with metallic combs. Also called Wims′hurst gen′erator.
- named after J. Wimshurst (died 1903), English engineer