Degauss: meaning, definitions and examples
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degauss
[ dɪˈɡɔs ]
electronic devices
To degauss means to reduce or eliminate a magnetic field, often applied to electronic devices such as monitors and hard drives. This process is crucial for maintaining the accuracy of electronic equipment by preventing distortion in the display or data corruption.
Synonyms
demagnetize, neutralize, sanitize.
Examples of usage
- The technician needs to degauss the old television before recycling it.
- You should degauss the computer monitor to improve color accuracy.
- Many hard drives come with a degaussing option to safeguard data.
- It's advisable to degauss sensitive equipment after heavy use.
Etymology
The term 'degauss' has its origins in the early computer and electronic engineering fields and derives from the name of physicist Carl Friedrich Gauss, who contributed significantly to the understanding of magnetism and statistical theories. The word itself first appeared in the lexicon in the mid-20th century as electronics became more prevalent in everyday life. The process involves using a device called a degausser, which generates a varying magnetic field to disrupt and cancel the existing magnetic field in a device, thereby ensuring it operates without unwanted interference. As technology has evolved, so too has the application of degaussing, expanding from traditional uses in video and audio tape erasure to modern implementations in data security and electronic device maintenance.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,151, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.