spark chamber

noun

: a device usually used to detect the path of a high-energy particle that consists of a series of charged metal plates or wires separated by a gas (such as neon) in which observable electric discharges follow the path of the particle

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spark chamber was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near spark chamber

Cite this Entry

“Spark chamber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spark%20chamber. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on spark chamber

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!