noun
an ionization chamber contained in a tube in a Geiger counter
• Syn: ↑Geiger tube
• Hypernyms: ↑ionization chamber, ↑ionization tube
• Part Holonyms: ↑Geiger counter, ↑Geiger-Muller counter
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noun or geiger tubeUsage: usually capitalized G&M
: a gas-filled counting tube with a cylindrical cathode and axial wire electrode for detecting the presence of cosmic rays or radioactive substances by means of the ionizing particles that penetrate its envelope and set up momentary current pulsations in the gas
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Physics.
a tube functioning as an ionization chamber within a Geiger counter. Also called Geiger tube.
[1925-30; see GEIGER-MÜLLER THRESHOLD]
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Geiger tube or Geiger-Müller tube,
1. the tube in a Geiger counter: »
Cosmic rays and Geiger tubes have been combined in a new altimeter to tell pilots what their altitudes are (Science News Letter).
2. = Geiger counter. (Cf. ↑A)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.