Plain English Meaning

A coil of wire that becomes a magnet when you send electricity through it, and uses that magnetic pull to yank a metal rod in or out. The moving rod is then used to flip a heavy-duty switch or open a valve.

Full Definition

An electromagnetic device consisting of a coil of wire wound around a movable iron core (plunger). When current flows through the coil, the magnetic field pulls the plunger, producing a short, straight-line mechanical motion that is typically used to operate a switch, valve, or latch.

Context Anchor

Seen in aircraft electrical, starting, fuel, and hydraulic system discussions, especially during maintenance or troubleshooting.