Alternating current

Alternating current
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. Contrasted with {direct curent}.

Syn: AC [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]

Note: The common household current is alternating. Alternating current is easier than direct current to transform to high voltage and back, making long-distance transmission more efficient. [PJC]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

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