humdinger
(ˌhʌmˈdɪŋə(r))
[Origin unknown.]
1. A remarkable or outstanding person or thing, anything of notable excellence. slang (orig. U.S.).
| 1905 Dialect Notes III. 62 Hum-dinger, term of admiration. ‘She's a humdinger.’ 1916 ‘B. M. Bower’ Phantom Herd vi. 100 That pit'cher's a humdinger! 1926 Brit. Weekly 12 Aug. 399/1 They showed me a new game. I tell you Red, it's a humdinger. Ibid. 2 Sept. 456/3 She was a humdinger. She even puts a brand on Brangwyn, and she's no slouch. 1935 Punch 10 Apr. 399/2 Say, she knew her own mind, did that jane. A regular humdinger of a dame. 1937 N. Marsh Vintage Murder vii. 72, I reckon he's all right. Gosh, I reckon he's a humdinger. 1943 Hunt & Pringle Service Slang 40 A humdinger, any fast aircraft or vehicle; any engine which runs really well. 1958 Times 16 June 4/4 The last set was a humdinger, to use a transatlantic expression. |
2. Electronics. A voltage divider connected across the heater circuit of a valve with the variable tap connected to a source of fixed potential, so that the hum introduced by the heater can be reduced by suitably biasing it with respect to the cathode.
| 1938 Admiralty Handbk. Wireless Telegr. II. Index, Humdinger. 1947 Electronic Engin. XIX. 82/3 It is..suggested that the centre point on the ‘humdinger’ be returned to a suitable tapping on the cathode bias battery. 1967 P. Spring Tape Recorders vii. 90 It is customary to have a centre-tapped heater winding, or better still, a humdinger. This is adjusted until the hum level is at a minimum. |