Definition

1. Noun:
   • An electric current that periodically reverses direction: "Alternating current" refers to the flow of electric charge that changes direction back and forth at regular intervals, typically following a sinusoidal (wave-like) pattern.

Usage

• "Alternating current" is a technical term used in physics and electrical engineering. It is often abbreviated as AC.
• It is commonly contrasted with direct current (DC), which flows in only one direction.
• The term is used to describe the type of electricity supplied by power grids to homes and businesses.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The generator produces alternating current at a frequency of 50 hertz.
  • Most wall outlets supply alternating current, which is why many electronic devices need a power adapter to convert it to direct current.
  • The war of currents in the late 19th century was between proponents of alternating current and direct current for electrical power distribution.

Advanced Usage

• "AC power": Electrical power delivered in the form of alternating current.
  • The motor is designed to run on standard AC power.
• "AC voltage": The voltage of an alternating current source, usually given as a root mean square (RMS) value.
  • The AC voltage in this circuit is too high for the component.

Variants and Related Words

• AC (abbreviation, noun): The common abbreviation for "alternating current".
  • Is this device powered by AC or DC?
• Alternating (adjective): Occurring in or characterized by alternating turns or changes.
  • The machine uses an alternating magnetic field.

Synonyms

• AC (noun): The standard abbreviation and direct synonym.

Antonyms

• Direct current (noun): An electric current that flows in one direction only. Its abbreviation is DC.

Noun

1. an electric current that reverses direction sinusoidally
   • In the US most household current is AC at 60 cycles per second