electric current

noun

, Electricity.

1. the time rate of flow of electric charge, in the direction that a positive moving charge would take and having magnitude equal to the quantity of charge per unit time: measured in amperes.

electric current

noun

1. another name for current

current, electric

¹

1. The flow of electrical charge , usually electrons . ( See Benjamin Franklin .)

current, electric

²

1. The flow of large numbers of electrons through a conductor . ( See alternating current , conduction , and direct current .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of electric current¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Their experiments measured the voltages on the surface of each metallic lump - essentially the strength of the electric current.

From BBC

Electrochemical reactions -- chemical transformations that are caused by or accompanied by the flow of electric currents -- are the basis of batteries, fuel cells, electrolysis, and solar-powered fuel generation, among other technologies.

From Science Daily

Electrolysis, the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, requires an electric current.

From Science Daily

Scientists have the first direct evidence that the powerful magnetic fields created in off-center collisions of atomic nuclei induce an electric current in "deconfined" nuclear matter.

From Science Daily

They used methods including stunning fish with an electric current and trapping them with nets, then releasing them in another reservoir.

From Los Angeles Times