Van de Graaff generator
noun
: an apparatus for the production of electrical discharges at high voltage commonly consisting of an insulated hollow conducting sphere that accumulates in its interior the charge continuously conveyed from a source of direct current by an endless belt of flexible nonconducting material
Cite this Entry
“Van de Graaff generator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Van%20de%20Graaff%20generator. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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Van de Graaff generator
noun
: a device for producing high voltages by building up charge in the inside of a hollow sphere
Etymology
named for Robert J. Van de Graaff 1901–1967 American physicist
Medical Definition
Van de Graaff generator
noun
: an apparatus for the production of electrical discharges at high voltage commonly consisting of an insulated hollow conducting sphere that accumulates in its interior the charge continuously conveyed from a source of direct current by an endless belt of flexible nonconducting material
called also electrostatic generator
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