noun
solenoid
SAH-luh-noyd/ˈsɑːlənɔɪd/
A wire coil that produces a magnetic field when electric current flows through it.
Electric current flowing through the solenoid creates a magnetic field.
Etymology
The pieces mean “pipe-shaped”: the name describes the coil’s tubular form rather than its magnetic effect. The deeper origin of the Greek word for “pipe” is uncertain.
In context
power through to the coil or solenoid this is the coil and you can kind of see on the bottom of the solenoid
More examples
- The solenoid pulls an iron rod inward when the switch closes.
- These solenoids have hundreds of tightly wound turns of wire.
- Reversing the current reverses the magnetic poles of the solenoid.
Forms
solenoid · solenoids
Similar words
- electromagnet
- An electrically powered magnet, often built around an iron core.
- coil
- Any wound length of wire, not necessarily used to produce magnetism.