alternating current
noun
: an electric current that reverses its direction at regularly recurring intervals
—abbreviation AC
Examples of alternating current in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When the power is on, an alternating current passes through the coil.
—
Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025
One of Tesla's most significant contributions was the development of the alternating current (AC) electrical system, which is far more efficient than direct current (DC) for transmitting electricity over long distances.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
These devices convert direct-current electricity to grid-compatible alternating current, and allow batteries, solar photovoltaics and wind turbines to connect to the grid.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 Dec. 2024
Grid-forming converters for HVDC, which convert high-voltage direct current to alternating current and vice versa, are also commercially available, from companies including Hitachi, Siemens, and GE Vernova.
—Benjamin Kroposki, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for alternating current
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Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025
One of Tesla's most significant contributions was the development of the alternating current (AC) electrical system, which is far more efficient than direct current (DC) for transmitting electricity over long distances.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
These devices convert direct-current electricity to grid-compatible alternating current, and allow batteries, solar photovoltaics and wind turbines to connect to the grid.
—IEEE Spectrum, 24 Dec. 2024
Grid-forming converters for HVDC, which convert high-voltage direct current to alternating current and vice versa, are also commercially available, from companies including Hitachi, Siemens, and GE Vernova.
—Benjamin Kroposki, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for alternating current
Cite this Entry
“Alternating current.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternating%20current. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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