kilovolt

[ kil-uh-vohlt ]

noun

, Electricity.

1. a unit of electromotive force, equal to 1000 volts. volt. : kV, kv

kilovolt

/ ˈkɪləʊˌvəʊlt /

noun

1. one thousand volts kV

Word History and Origins

Origin of kilovolt¹

First recorded in 1860–65; kilo- + volt ¹

Example Sentences

The electrons will have to drift as far as 3.5 meters, driven by a voltage of 180 kilovolts.

From Science Magazine

The shortcut that Florida Power & Light took was to limit the voltage on the line — to 161 kilovolts rather than 230 — putting it under a threshold that would have required extensive regulatory scrutiny.

From New York Times

The power line where police most recently saw two hammocks, Eskelsen said, carries 46,000 kilovolts – an electric current that can easily kill a person, especially one lounging close to the line’s conductor.

From Seattle Times

Operating at voltages of 300 kilovolts, more than 2500 times stronger than electricity from a U.S. wall socket, the machine requires a bulky transformer and thick, heavily insulated cabling.

From Science Magazine

It would allow NorthWestern to buy additional generating capacity at the Colstrip plant and additional access to a 500 kilovolt power line.

From Washington Times