'philosopher's lamp' definitions:

Definition of 'philosopher's lamp'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]