alternating current

noun

: an electric current that reverses its direction at regularly recurring intervals
abbreviation AC

Examples of alternating current in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The shingle-style component—made of both glass solar and steel tiles—absorbs sunlight and converts direct current energy into alternating current energy that can power the home. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2024 The inverter is bidirectional, so that alternating current produced by the e-axle under regenerative braking is turned into direct current to charge the battery. Jason Barlow, WIRED, 17 Oct. 2024 The Power of Solar Energy At its core, AY’s system collects energy from the sun using solar panels, stores it in batteries, and converts it to alternating current (AC) using an inverter. Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 Central to the movie’s gathering power is its time-shifting structure, which folds the recent past into the current story like alternating currents. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for alternating current 

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alternating current was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near alternating current

Cite this Entry

“Alternating current.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternating%20current. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

alternating current

noun
: an electric current that reverses its direction at regular intervals
abbreviation AC

More from Merriam-Webster on alternating current

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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