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

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) .)

Notes

DC is usually supplied by batteries .

Other Words From

• di·rect-current adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of direct current¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Among them, in the early 1960s, was the development of a defibrillator that used direct current to reestablish a normal heartbeat when an arrhythmia occurs.

From Washington Post

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg