solenoid

noun

so·le·noid | \ ˈsō-lə-ˌnȯid

How to pronounce solenoid (audio)

, ˈsä- \

Definition of solenoid

: 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)

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Examples of solenoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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, "Jetography: Photographing Fighter Jets at 40,000 Feet," 31 Dec. 2020 Six modules, each 7 feet tall, 14 feet in diameter and 250,000 pounds, will be stacked atop one another to create the solenoid. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, "General Atomics wins $3.3M contract to assist in nuclear fusion project in France," 6 Nov. 2020 Workers, scientists and engineers at General Atomics are fabricating the solenoid in separate modules that will be shipped overseas to France and assembled. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, "General Atomics wins $3.3M contract to assist in nuclear fusion project in France," 6 Nov. 2020 If the brake light switch is out of adjustment, pressing the pedal will not release the shift-lock solenoid on the shifter mechanism. — Bob Weber, chicagotribune.com, "Father still knows best, even with newfangled transmissions," 17 June 2017 Ice-crusher solenoid: An electromagnetic coil that controls the ice crusher. 14. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "This Is What a Refrigerator Looks Like When You Take It Apart," 2 Mar. 2015 Ice-crusher plunger: Pulled in by the ice-crusher solenoid, the plunger assists in dispensing crushed or cubed ice. 17. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "This Is What a Refrigerator Looks Like When You Take It Apart," 2 Mar. 2015 Tough for a human, but easy for a machine like the one Rober built, with a sensor to spot the light, and a solenoid to press the button with millisecond accuracy. — Eric Limer, Popular Mechanics, "Cheating at This Arcade Game Reveals How It's Actually a Scam," 4 Jan. 2018 How can this be good for the longevity of the starting components: battery, starter, solenoid, flywheel, etc.? — Ray Magliozzi, The Seattle Times, "Start-stop feature is aggravating but good for mileage," 5 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'solenoid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near solenoid

solenoid switch

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Last Updated

6 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Solenoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solenoid. Accessed 2 Mar. 2021.

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