An electric light in which a current produces light when an arc traverses the gap between two incandescent electrodes in a container filled with a gas; such as, xenon.

Arc lamps are used to produce intense light; such as, in spotlights and to produce heat for welding.

1. An electric lamp in which the light is produced by an arc made when current flows through ionized gas between two electrodes.
2. A general term for a class of lamps which produce light by an electric arc or a voltaic arc.

The lamp consists of two electrodes, typically made of tungsten, that are separated by a gas.