- alternating current
- (AC) An electric current that first flows one way in the circuit and then the other. This is the type used in homes. It contrasts with direct current.
Dictionary of automotive terms. 2015.
alternating current
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Alternating current — (green curve). The horizontal axis measures time; the vertical, current or voltage. In alternating current (AC, also ac) the movement of electric charge periodically reverses direction. In direct current (DC, also dc), the flow of electric charge … Wikipedia
Alternating current — Al ter*nat ing cur rent (Elec.) A current which periodically changes or reverses its direction of flow, especially an electric current that reverses direction sinusoidally, as is used for most domestic and industrial power requirements.… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
alternating current — alternating currents N VAR An alternating current is an electric current that continually changes direction as it flows. The abbreviation AC is also used … English dictionary
alternating current — ► NOUN ▪ an electric current that reverses its direction many times a second. Compare with DIRECT CURRENT(Cf. ↑direct current) … English terms dictionary
alternating current — n. an electric current that reverses its direction periodically: abbrev. AC: cf. DIRECT CURRENT … English World dictionary
alternating current — n [U] AC a flow of electricity that changes direction regularly and quickly →↑direct current … Dictionary of contemporary English
Alternating Current — [engl., Abk. AC], Wechselstrom … Universal-Lexikon
alternating current — Synonyms and related words: AC, DC, absorption current, active current, conduction current, convection current, cycle, delta current, dielectric displacement current, direct current, displacement current, eddy current, electric current, electric… … Moby Thesaurus
alternating current — noun an electric current that reverses direction sinusoidally In the US most household current is AC at 60 cycles per second • Syn: ↑AC, ↑alternating electric current • Ant: ↑direct current • Hypernyms: ↑electricity, ↑ … Useful english dictionary
alternating current — an electric current that reverses direction at regular intervals, having a magnitude that varies continuously in sinusoidal manner. Abbr.: ac Cf. direct current. [1830 40] * * * ▪ electronics abbreviation AC flow of electric charge that… … Universalium
alternating current — electric current electric current, electrical current electrical current, the movement of electrically charged particles, atoms, or ions, through solids, liquids, gases, or free space; the term is usually used of relatively smooth movements of… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
