eddy current

noun

: an electric current induced by an alternating magnetic field

Examples of eddy current in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Exposing an electrically conductive material, such as iron oxide, to a rapidly alternating magnetic field causes eddy currents to be created in the material. New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2024 The resistance felt by the eddy currents, concentrated at the material's surface, causes Joule or resistive heating. New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2024 The friction generated by these eddy currents provides focused, non-contact heating. Bradley Ford, Popular Mechanics, 21 Aug. 2023 By layering the steel of the rotor, Leng was able to greatly reduce its heat generation, because the thinner layers of steel limited the eddy currents in the steel that create heat. IEEE Spectrum, 29 Dec. 2022 Ferrous metals can be magnetically separated from other materials; magnetism can also be induced in nonferrous items, like aluminum, using a large eddy current. IEEE Spectrum, 25 June 2022 Just before the cooling residue drops onto the pile, bits of iron and steel fly up into a magnet and an eddy current separates out aluminum and other metals to be recycled. Curbed, 12 Aug. 2022 These are usually inspected using industrial borescopes, eddy current and/or ultrasound techniques to make a recommendation whether the gearboxes need to be taken down for repair or can continue in use. Arungalai Anbarasu, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2021 Ventricular fibrillation is like eddy currents of electricity in the heart, which form where a wave of electrical impulses can’t pass through scar tissue. Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 6 Apr. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eddy current was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near eddy current

Cite this Entry

“Eddy current.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eddy%20current. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

eddy current

noun
: an electric current caused by an alternating magnetic field

More from Merriam-Webster on eddy current

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