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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
Transcranial direct current stimulation is a noninvasive, painless brain stimulation technique that uses low-intensity electrical currents to stimulate specific parts of the brain.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
Adding a powered line to an antenna is unusual, says RF and microwave design engineer Michael Sherburne, because the direct current can interfere with transmissions.
—IEEE Spectrum, 14 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
This gear converted grid power to direct current and then converted it back to alternating current—conversions that consumed a full 6 percent of the plant’s electricity.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1849, in the meaning defined above
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 23 Dec. 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
Nglish: Translation of direct current for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about direct current
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