solenoid

noun

so·​le·​noid ˈsō-lə-ˌnȯid How to pronounce solenoid (audio)
ˈsä-
: a coil of wire usually in cylindrical form that when carrying a current acts like a magnet so that a movable core is drawn into the coil when a current flows and that is used especially as a switch or control for a mechanical device (such as a valve)
solenoidal
ˌsō-lə-ˈnȯi-dᵊl How to pronounce solenoid (audio)
ˌsä-
adjective

Examples of solenoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The pump shift solenoid may corrode internally, causing a loss of power to the pump control module. — Detroit Free Press, 21 Aug. 2021 Water may enter the starter solenoid and cause an electrical short which can result in an engine fire while the car is parked or driving, the NHTSA said. — USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2024 Other companies' robots typically use other types of actuators, such as solenoids and electric motors. — Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025 Preliminary studies suggest a muon collider is possible, but key technologies, like powerful high-field solenoid magnets used for cooling, still need to be developed. — IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solenoid

Word History

Etymology

French solénoïde, from Greek sōlēnoeidēs pipe-shaped, from Greek sōlēn pipe

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of solenoid was in 1827

Rhymes for solenoid

See All Rhymes for solenoid

Browse Nearby Words

solenoglyphous
solenoid
solenoidal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solenoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solenoid. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

solenoid

noun
so·​le·​noid ˈsō-lə-ˌnȯid How to pronounce solenoid (audio)
ˈsäl-ə-
: a coil of wire commonly in the form of a long cylinder that when carrying a current acts as a magnet so that a movable core is drawn into the coil when a current flows

More from Merriam-Webster on solenoid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about solenoid

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