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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Recent Examples of solenoid from the Web
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The mechanic assisted the pilots in starting the engine with auxiliary power and found that the battery had a charge but that the starter solenoid ‘didn’t click like it should’ and was not engaging the starter.
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His father is the vice president for sales at Magnatrol Valve Corporation, a maker of bronze and stainless-steel solenoid valves in Hawthorne, N.J.
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For an ideal solenoid, there is a constant magnetic field.
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.
Origin and Etymology of solenoid
French solénoïde, from Greek sōlēnoeidēs pipe-shaped, from Greek sōlēn pipe
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See words that rhyme with solenoid Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about solenoid
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