Definition

A device used to create static electricity, made up of a hard rubber disk that gains a negative charge through friction and a metal plate that becomes positively charged when it touches the disk.

Example

The scientist used an electrophorus to demonstrate the principles of static electricity in the classroom.

Conversation

Have you ever used an electrophorus in your science experiments?

No, I haven't! What does it do?

It's a cool device that generates static electricity using a charged disk.

That sounds fascinating! I might need to try it out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Electrophorus is formed from "electro-" (from Greek "ēlektron", meaning amber or electricity) and "phorus" (from Greek "phoros", meaning bearer or carrier). The word refers to a device that generates or carries electric charge.

Memory Tip

Think of 'electricity' ('electro-') being 'carried' ('phorus') by a device — that's what an electrophorus does.

Visually Confused Words