ScienceAugust 18, 2026

flyback

FLYE-bak

Definition

A specific type of transformer used in electronic circuits to generate high-voltage electrical pulses.

Etymology

The term is a compound of 'fly' and 'back', originating in electronics engineering to describe the rapid return or 'flyback' of the electron beam in cathode ray tube displays, which required this specific transformer design.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe a component salvaged from old electronics that is essential for generating the high voltage needed to power ion-thruster prototypes.

NASA-funded flying robots could soon explore the hidden caves of Saturn's moon Titan

Read the full article ↗

starlust.org

Related words

antennal

Relating to or pertaining to the antennae, which are the sensory appendages on the heads…

Science

artefacts

In the context of digital data and AI-generated text, these are unintended or erroneous…

Science

astrobiology

The scientific study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the…

Science

corkscrew

A device or structure characterized by a spiral shape, typically used to pierce and pull…

Science

cryogenic

Relating to or involving very low temperatures, typically those approaching absolute zero.

Science

disincentive

A factor or policy that discourages a specific action or behavior by making it less…

Science

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.