alternating current

noun

an electric current that reverses direction at regular intervals, having a magnitude that varies continuously in sinusoidal manner. Abbreviation: ac
Compare direct current.

Origin of alternating current

First recorded in 1830–40

Words nearby alternating current

alternate hemianesthesia, alternate host, alternate plumage, alternately, alternating calculus, alternating current, alternating group, alternating hemiplegia, alternating light, alternating pulse, alternating series

Example sentences from the Web for alternating current

British Dictionary definitions for alternating current

alternating current

noun

a continuous electric current that periodically reverses direction, usually sinusoidally Abbreviation: AC Compare: direct current

Scientific definitions for alternating current

alternating current
[ ôl′tər-nā′tĭng ]

An electric current that repeatedly changes its direction or strength, usually at a certain frequency or range of frequencies. The term is also used to describe alternating voltages. Power stations generate alternating current because it is easy to raise and lower the voltage of such current using transformers; thus the voltage can be raised very high for transmission (high voltages lose less power as heat than do low voltages), and lowered to safe levels for domestic and industrial use. In North America, the frequency of alternation of the direction of flow is 60 Hz, or 60 cycles per second. In other parts of the world it is 50 Hz. Compare direct current. See Notes at current Tesla.

Cultural definitions for alternating current

alternating current

An electric current (see also current) in which the flow reverses periodically. (Compare direct current (DC).)

notes for alternating current

In the United States, most household current is AC, going through sixty reversal cycles each second. Electric motors in household appliances are designed to work with current at this rate of reversal.