direct current

noun

: an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value
abbreviation DC

Examples of direct current in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The inverter is bidirectional, so that alternating current produced by the e-axle under regenerative braking is turned into direct current to charge the battery. Jason Barlow, WIRED, 17 Oct. 2024 Climate entrepreneur Vic Shao is developing a new startup called DC Grid, focused on providing direct current, or DC, power, the founder tells Axios. Katie Fehrenbacher, Axios, 3 Sep. 2024 There is also room for greater efficiency after the electricity is generated, when power is lost as direct current (produced from the panels) is converted to alternating current (required for distribution by the electrical grid). Dickon Pinner, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2015 In Michigan, there were 311 public direct current (DC) fast-charging stations (stations with 75 kilowatts per hour capacity) as of April, according to data compiled by the Anderson Economic Group. Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 8 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for direct current 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'direct current.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of direct current was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near direct current

Cite this Entry

“Direct current.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/direct%20current. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

direct current

noun
: an electric current flowing in one direction only
abbreviation DC

Medical Definition

direct current

noun
: an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value
abbreviation DC

More from Merriam-Webster on direct current

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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