incandescent lamp

Lamp in which a filament heated by an electric current produces light rays.

lead-in wire

Electric conductor carrying the current to the filament.

inert gas

Gas inserted in the bulb to slow down evaporation of the filament.

base

Metal end of a lightbulb inserted into a socket to connect it to the electric circuit.

exhaust tube

Glass tube used to empty the air from the bulb and then to fill it with inert gas before it is sealed.

pinch

Part in which the lead-in wires are attached.

heat deflecting disc

Metal disc placed at the entrance of a lamp’s neck to protect the pinch and the base from the heat.

stem

Button support.

button

End of the stem; the filament supports are attached to it.

support

Metal wire holding the filament.

filament

Very thin metal wire, usually made of tungsten, emitting light rays when an electric current passes through it.

bayonet base

Base fitted with two short metal pins so that it can be placed in the corresponding socket.

screw base

Base fitted with a screw pitch so it can be inserted into the corresponding socket.

bulb

Gas sealed in a glass envelope into which the luminous body of a lamp is inserted.