alternating current
NounOpen English WordNet
Noun (1)
- an electric current that reverses direction sinusoidally“In the US most household current is AC at 60 cycles per second”Synonyms: ACalternating electric currentType of electricity, electrical energy
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Al′ter·nat′ing cur′rent.
Electricity A current which periodically changes or reverses its direction of flow, especially an electric current that reverses direction sinusoidally, as is used for most domestic and industrial power requirements. Contrasted with direct current. Syn. — AC
The common household current is alternating. Alternating current is easier than direct current to transform to high voltage and back, making long-distance transmission more efficient.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54 · with additions: +PJC, 1913 supplement, GCIDE editors