arcing

Definition

The discharge of electricity through the air between two conductors, often causing sparks and intense heat.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'arcus' (meaning a bow or curve). In electricity, the term describes the luminous, curved path that current takes when jumping across a gap.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the technical cause of the Eaton fire, where electrical arcing from a utility transmission line ignited the surrounding vegetation.

Facing protests, Newsom drops most of plan limiting utility wildfire liabilities

Los Angeles Times

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