Mid 19th century (in an earlier sense). From the name of Heinrich Daniel Rühmkorff, German-born inventor, who invented the induction coil. With Ruhmkorff coil compare French bobine de Ruhmkorff.
Definition of Ruhmkorff in US English:
Ruhmkorff
(also Rühmkorff)
nounˈruːmkɔːf
Physics historical
= Ruhmkorff coil.
Origin
Mid 19th century (in an earlier sense). From the name of Heinrich Daniel Rühmkorff, German-born inventor, who invented the induction coil. With Ruhmkorff coil compare French bobine de Ruhmkorff.