| sparkover-initiated discharge machining [`spärk´ō·vǝr i¦nish·ē´ād·ǝd `dis´chärj mǝ´shēn·iŋ] MECHANICAL ENGINEERING An electromachining process in which a potential is impressed between the tool (cathode) and workpiece (anode) which are separated by a dielectric material; a heavy discharge current flows through the ionized path when the applied potential is sufficient to cause rupture of the dielectric. |