Advertisement

Advertisement

direct current

noun

  1. Electricity. an electric current of constant direction, having a magnitude that does not vary or varies only slightly. : dc


direct current

noun

  1. a continuous electric current that flows in one direction only, without substantial variation in magnitude DC Compare alternating current
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


direct current

/ dĭ-rĕkt /

  1. An electric current that moves in one direction with constant strength. Batteries are a source of direct current. Direct current is not used for long-distance power transmission because it is difficult to step up the voltage to a level that is efficient for energy transfer and then to step the voltage back down again for safe domestic use.
  2. Compare alternating currentSee Notes at current


direct current

  1. The electric current (see also current ) in which the electrons flow in one direction only. ( Compare alternating current (AC) .)


Discover More

Notes

DC is usually supplied by batteries .
Discover More

Other Words From

  • di·rect-current adjective
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of direct current1

First recorded in 1885–90
Discover More

Example Sentences

This arrangement can be used with direct-current circuits only.

Now of all machines perhaps the most docile and easily managed is the direct-current electric motor.

Direct-current impulses sent out by the dispatcher operate these magnets, one of which is slow and the other quick-acting.

The positive electrode in the direct-current arc is consumed approximately twice as fast as the negative electrode.

The alternating-current arc is much noisier than the direct-current arc, but with very high frequencies this noise ceases.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement