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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
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
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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
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