Electrophorus

noun

1. An apparatus for generating static electricity, consisting of a hard rubber disk that is given a negative charge by friction and a metal plate that is given a net positive charge by induction when in contact with the disk.
2. Pl. electrophori (-rī). An instrument for obtaining statical electricity by means of induction.
3. [capitalized] The typical genus of Electrophoridæ. There is but one species, the electric eel, E. electricus. Gill, 1864. See cut under eel.
4. An instrument for exciting electricity, and repeating the charge indefinitely by induction, consisting of a flat cake of resin, shellac, or ebonite, upon which is placed a plate of metal.
5. Any early apparatus, consisting of a rubber disk and a metal plate, for generating static electricity