milliampere

American  

[mil-ee-am-peer, -am-peer] / ˌmɪl iˈæm pɪər, -æmˈpɪər /

noun

Electricity.

1. a unit of electric current equal to one thousandth of an ampere. mA

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Etymology

Origin of milliampere

From French, dating back to 1890–95; milli-, ampere

Example Sentences

Then you turn on a milliampere or two of juice, and watch the mental sparks fly—figuratively, if you’re doing it right.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2013

The current required to produce electrolysis is very small, about one milliampere being sufficient.

From Wireless Transmission of Photographs Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged 1919 by Martin, Marcus J.

It works with 0.5 milliampere current, and therefore will work with 5 Daniell cells through a line of 9,600 ohms.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 787, January 31, 1891 by Various

It should not have a current passed through it by the external cell of more than a fraction of a milliampere, or else it becomes wounded and unsensitive.

From Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy by Fleming, John Ambrose

Its sensibility ought to be such that it is actuated by a tenth of a milliampere, and, if possible, even by less.

From Hertzian Wave Wireless Telegraphy by Fleming, John Ambrose