Definition

1. Noun:
   • An electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flow: An electric circuit is a complete, closed loop through which an electric current can travel. It typically consists of a power source (like a battery), conductors (like wires), and components (like resistors or light bulbs) that use the electrical energy.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The engineer designed a new electric circuit for the amplifier.
  • A basic electric circuit requires a power source, wires, and a load.
  • If there is a break anywhere in the electric circuit, the current will stop flowing.

Advanced Usage

• "To complete a circuit": To close the loop so that current can flow continuously.
  • When you flip the switch, you complete the circuit and the light turns on.
• "Open circuit": A circuit that is broken or interrupted, preventing current flow.
  • The device won't work because there's an open circuit in the wiring.
• "Short circuit": A fault where current flows along an unintended, low-resistance path.
  • A short circuit caused the fuse to blow.

Variants and Related Words

• Circuit (n): A common short form for "electric circuit."
  • The printed circuit board holds many tiny circuits.
• Circuitry (n): Refers to the system of circuits in a device, or the components and connections that form circuits.
  • The phone's internal circuitry is very complex.
• Electrical circuit (n): A synonym for "electric circuit."

Synonyms

• Electrical network: A system of interconnected electrical components.
• Loop: Emphasizes the closed, continuous path of the circuit.

Related Phrases

• "To break the circuit": To interrupt the path, stopping the current.
  • For safety, always break the circuit before working on the device.
• "Circuit diagram": A graphical representation of an electrical circuit.
  • The technician followed the circuit diagram to make the repairs.

Noun

1. an electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flow