| aneroid barometer |
a barometer that uses a thin metal disk covering a partial vacuum, such that a change in atmospheric pressure results in a corresponding change in the shape of the disk and moves the indicator needle. |
| bell jar |
a bell-shaped glass vessel for holding gases or a vacuum. [1/2 definitions] |
| bias |
a voltage applied to an electronic device, such as a transistor or a vacuum tube, to establish a reference level of operation. [1/8 definitions] |
| cathode ray |
a stream of electrons emitted by a cathode in a vacuum tube. |
| cathode-ray tube |
a vacuum tube in which a stream of electrons is accelerated and focused in a beam that produces lighted traces on a screen at one end of the tube, used in television sets, computer monitors, and the like. |
| CRT |
abbreviation of "cathode-ray tube," a vacuum tube in which a stream of electrons is accelerated and focused in a beam that produces lighted traces on a screen at one end of the tube, used in television sets, computer monitors, and the like. |
| cupping |
a therapeutic procedure of former times in which a cup was placed over skin and a partial vacuum formed in it to draw blood to or out of the skin, used to treat ailments like internal congestion. |
| Dewar flask |
a thermos container with a vacuum between, and a reflective surface on the interior of, its double walls, used esp. to store liquefied gases at constant temperatures. |
| Dumet wire |
a particular type of wire, made of a combination of iron and nickel encased in a copper sleeve, used to create vacuum seals between glass and metal in items such as incandescent light bulbs. |
| electron tube |
a sealed, tube-shaped container in which a pair of electrodes controls the flow of electrons through a vacuum or very low-pressure gas. |
| exhaust |
to drain or draw a vacuum in; empty of contents. [2/11 definitions] |
| freeze-dry |
to preserve (foods, blood plasma, or the like) by rapid freezing and then drying in a high vacuum at a low temperature. |
| grid current |
the flow of electrons from the grid to the cathode of a vacuum tube. |
| in vacuo |
(Latin) in a vacuum; entirely alone or isolated. |
| magnetron |
a vacuum tube that produces microwaves by the action of an external magnetic field on electrons in the tube. |
| pentode |
a vacuum tube containing five electrodes that is used as a voltage amplifier. |
| plenum |
the whole of space considered as full of matter, in contrast to a vacuum. [1/3 definitions] |
| pop-top |
denoting or having a top that can be popped open, usu. with a pull tab, as on vacuum-packed cans. [1/3 definitions] |
| rectifier |
an electrical device, such as a vacuum tube, that converts alternating current to direct current. [1/2 definitions] |
| suck |
to pull into the mouth by using the tongue and lips to create a partial vacuum. [2/13 definitions] |
| suction |
the force that draws an object or fluid into a partial or complete vacuum. [1/4 definitions] |