solenoid
noun
so·le·noid
ˈsō-lə-ˌnȯid 
ˈsä-
: a coil of wire usually in cylindrical form that when carrying a current acts like a magnet so that a movable core is drawn into the coil when a current flows and that is used especially as a switch or control for a mechanical device (such as a valve)
Examples of solenoid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Other companies' robots typically use other types of actuators, such as solenoids and electric motors.
—
Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025
Water may enter the starter solenoid and cause an electrical short which can result in an engine fire while the car is parked or driving, the NHTSA said.
—USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2024
Tokamaks—like the upcoming ITER, for example—use superconducting coils and a central solenoid, while also running an electric current through the plasma itself.
—Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 1 Apr. 2023
The pump shift solenoid may corrode internally, causing a loss of power to the pump control module.
—Detroit Free Press, 21 Aug. 2021
The second, more common problem is a bad solenoid in the shifter assembly.
—Motormouth Bob Weber, Star Tribune, 9 July 2021
Replace evaporative emissions purge solenoid: $149.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 27 Apr. 2021
In addition, 18 toroidal field coils will encircle the machine vertically, and one large central solenoid will sit in the middle, forming the largest superconducting magnet system ever built.
—Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2020
Jetographer Paul Wheeler, an eight-year veteran to sonic photography, has installed his Speed Graphic with a stronger trip-spring, a more powerful solenoid-to prevent G-forces from prematurely triggering the shutter.
—James Joseph, Popular Mechanics, 31 Dec. 2020
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Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025
Water may enter the starter solenoid and cause an electrical short which can result in an engine fire while the car is parked or driving, the NHTSA said.
—USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2024
Tokamaks—like the upcoming ITER, for example—use superconducting coils and a central solenoid, while also running an electric current through the plasma itself.
—Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 1 Apr. 2023
The pump shift solenoid may corrode internally, causing a loss of power to the pump control module.
—Detroit Free Press, 21 Aug. 2021
The second, more common problem is a bad solenoid in the shifter assembly.
—Motormouth Bob Weber, Star Tribune, 9 July 2021
Replace evaporative emissions purge solenoid: $149.
—Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 27 Apr. 2021
In addition, 18 toroidal field coils will encircle the machine vertically, and one large central solenoid will sit in the middle, forming the largest superconducting magnet system ever built.
—Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2020
Jetographer Paul Wheeler, an eight-year veteran to sonic photography, has installed his Speed Graphic with a stronger trip-spring, a more powerful solenoid-to prevent G-forces from prematurely triggering the shutter.
—James Joseph, Popular Mechanics, 31 Dec. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Solenoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solenoid. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
solenoid
noun
so·le·noid
ˈsō-lə-ˌnȯid
ˈsäl-ə-
: a coil of wire commonly in the form of a long cylinder that when carrying a current acts as a magnet so that a movable core is drawn into the coil when a current flows
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