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coherer

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /kəʊˈhɪərə/

KK: /kəʊˈhɪərə/

noun
Definition

A device that detects radio waves, commonly used in early radio receivers, which improves its ability to conduct electricity when high-frequency current passes through it.


Example

The coherer was an essential component in the first radio communication systems.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of a coherer in early radio technology?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it was one of the first devices to detect radio waves, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's fascinating how such a simple device worked so effectively.
Sloth B
I know, it’s amazing to think about how far technology has come since the days of the coherer.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
detector
receiver
transducer
Antonyms
transmitter
source
emitter
Root Explanation

Coherer → It is formed from "co-" (meaning together) and "haerere" (meaning to stick or adhere). The word "coherer" refers to a device that causes particles to stick together, thus enabling the flow of electricity.

Memory Tip

Think of things 'sticking together' ('haerere') as a result of being 'with' ('co-') — that's why a coherer is a device that makes particles adhere together.

Visually Confused Words
cosherer
decoherer
coverer
coercer
cheerer
corer
cheer
cerer
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