fluorescent lamp

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
fluorescent lamp
    n 1: lamp consisting of a tube coated on the inside with a
         fluorescent material; mercury vapor in the tube emits
         ultraviolet radiation that is converted to visible
         radiation by the fluorescent material
    
from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Lamp \Lamp\ (l[a^]mp), n. [F. lampe, L. lampas, -adis, fr. Gr.
   ?, ?, torch, fr. ? to give light, to shine. Cf. {Lampad},
   {Lantern}.]
   1. A light-producing vessel, device, instrument or apparatus;
      formerly referring especially to a vessel with a wick used
      for the combustion of oil or other inflammable liquid, for
      the purpose of producing artificial light; also, a similar
      device using a gas as the combustible fuel; now referring
      mainly to an electric lamp. See sense [3].
      [1913 Webster +PJC]

   2. Figuratively, anything which enlightens intellectually or
      morally; anything regarded metaphorically a performing the
      uses of a lamp.
      [1913 Webster]

            Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my
            path.                                 --Ps. cxix.
                                                  105.
      [1913 Webster]

            Ages elapsed ere Homer's lamp appeared. --Cowper.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Elec.) A device or mechanism for producing light by
      electricity, usually having a glass bulb or tube
      containing the light-emitting element. Most lamps belong
      to one of two categories, the {Incandescent lamp} (See
      under {Incandescent}) or the {fluorescent lamp}. However,
      see also {arc lamp}, below.
      [1913 Webster +PJC]

   4. A device that emits radiant energy in the form of heat,
      infrared, or ultraviolet rays; as, a heat lamp.
      [PJC]

   {Aeolipile lamp}, a hollow ball of copper containing alcohol
      which is converted into vapor by a lamp beneath, so as to
      make a powerful blowpipe flame when the vapor is ignited.
      --Weale.

   {Arc lamp} (Elec.), a form of lamp in which the voltaic arc
      is used as the source of light.

   {D["e]bereiner's lamp}, an apparatus for the instantaneous
      production of a flame by the spontaneous ignition of a jet
      of hydrogen on being led over platinum sponge; -- named
      after the German chemist D["o]bereiner, who invented it.
      Called also {philosopher's lamp}.

   {Flameless lamp}, an aphlogistic lamp.

   {Lamp burner}, the part of a lamp where the wick is exposed
      and ignited. --Knight.

   {Lamp fount}, a reservoir for oil, in a lamp.

   {Lamp jack}. See 2d {Jack}, n., 4
      (l) &
      (n) .

   {Lamp shade}, a screen, as of paper, glass, or tin, for
      softening or obstructing the light of a lamp.

   {Lamp shell} (Zool.), any brachiopod shell of the genus
      {Terebratula} and allied genera. The name refers to the
      shape, which is like that of an antique lamp. See
      {Terebratula}.

   {Safety lamp}, a miner's lamp in which the flame is
      surrounded by fine wire gauze, preventing the kindling of
      dangerous explosive gases; -- called also, from Sir
      Humphry Davy the inventor, {Davy lamp}.

   {To smell of the lamp}, to bear marks of great study and
      labor, as a literary composition.
      [1913 Webster]
    

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