noun
- an early radio detector consisting of metal filings in a glass tube that becomes conductive when radio waves are received
Usage: historical; electronics
Examples
- The coherer was a crucial component in early wireless telegraphy systems.
- Marconi used a coherer in his first successful radio transmission experiments.
- When radio waves struck the coherer, the metal filings would stick together and conduct electricity.
- The coherer had to be tapped after each signal to separate the metal particles again.
- Early radio operators relied on coherers to detect incoming wireless messages.
- The invention of the coherer made long-distance wireless communication possible.