coherer

noun

co·​her·​er kō-ˈhir-ər How to pronounce coherer (audio)
: a radio detector in which an imperfectly conducting contact between pieces of conductive material loosely resting against each other is materially improved in conductance by the passage of high-frequency current

Word History

Etymology

cohere + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coherer was in 1894

Dictionary Entries Near coherer

Cite this Entry

“Coherer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coherer. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on coherer

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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