Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Nearby Words

alternating current

 - 3 dictionary results

alternating current

 
Use alternating current in a Sentence
–noun
an electric current that reverses direction at regular intervals, having a magnitude that varies continuously in sinusoidal manner. Abbreviation: ac

Origin:
1830–40
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To alternating current
al·ter·nat·ing current   (ôl'tər-nā'tĭng, āl'-)
n.   Abbr. AC
An electric current that reverses direction in a circuit at regular intervals.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Cultural Dictionary

alternating current (AC)

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

Note: 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.
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see alternating current on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way