Word
solenoid
Phoneticsso·le·noid
UK/sˈəʊlənˌɔɪd/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a coil of wire that becomes magnetic when electricity flows through it. You find it inside machines like doorbells and car starters, where it pushes or pulls a small metal part.
n. a cylindrical coil of wire that produces a controlled magnetic field when carrying electric current, often surrounding a movable iron core. Energizing the coil draws the core inward to convert electrical energy into short linear motion for switches, valves and starters.
Examples
“The doorbell uses a small solenoid to make sound.”
“The mechanic replaced the faulty starter solenoid so the car engine turns over when you turn the key.”
“The laboratory's automated valve relied on a solenoid that, when energized, drew an iron plunger into its core to open the channel in milliseconds.”
Examples
simple
“The doorbell uses a small solenoid to make sound.”
contextual
“The mechanic replaced the faulty starter solenoid so the car engine turns over when you turn the key.”
complex
“The laboratory's automated valve relied on a solenoid that, when energized, drew an iron plunger into its core to open the channel in milliseconds.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “solenoid” in context.
Verb
01. activate solenoid
“The sensor sends a signal to activate the solenoid and open the valve.”
verb + noun
02. bypass solenoid
“Mechanics sometimes bypass the solenoid to test the motor directly.”
verb + noun
03. energize solenoid
“When you turn the key, electricity flows to energize the starter solenoid.”
verb + noun
04. solenoid clicks
“If the battery is low, you might hear the solenoid click without the engine starting.”
noun + verb
05. solenoid engages
“The starter motor turns only after the solenoid engages the flywheel.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. cylindrical solenoid
“A cylindrical solenoid is used to create a uniform magnetic field.”
adj + noun
07. electromagnetic solenoid
“The device uses an electromagnetic solenoid to control the flow of water.”
adj + noun
08. energized solenoid
“The energized solenoid pulls the plunger into the center of the coil.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. solenoid coil
“Heat can eventually damage the insulation on the solenoid coil.”
noun + noun
10. actuate a solenoid
“An electrical pulse is required to actuate the solenoid in the locking mechanism.”
11. controlled by a solenoid
“The fuel injection system is precisely controlled by a solenoid.”
12. magnetic field of a solenoid
“The strength of the magnetic field of a solenoid depends on the number of turns in the wire.”
Real-World Examples
“Solenoids, electromagnets formed by a coil of wire wrapped around a magnetic core, are a fundamental building block of many electronics, from dialysis machines and respirators to washing machines and dishwashers.” “The new active actuation mechanism proposed in this paper consists of two cylindrical PMs attached to the two ends of the CR, and one inner mass moving between the two inserted PMs, as shown in Figure 1. The detailed components of the inner mass can be seen on the right side of Figure 1, including a small solenoid coil with an inserted iron core and two gaskets.” “Once the motion is complete, a much smaller current usually can be used to hold the core in position. If the current isn’t reduced, considerable power is dissipated in the winding, and the solenoid generates a great amount of heat.” “A simple electromagnet is behind the ubiquitous solenoid, a device that can operate anything from an automatic car-door lock to a giant hydraulic robot arm.” Etymology
From French solénoïde, from Ancient Greek σωληνοειδής (sōlēnoeidḗs) (from σωλήν (sōlḗn, “channel, pipe”) + -ειδής (-eidḗs); see -oid).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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