Definition

Noun: - An incomplete electrical circuit in which no current flows: A circuit path that is broken or interrupted, preventing the continuous flow of electric current. This can be due to a switch being off, a broken wire, or a disconnected component.

Usage

• The term "open circuit" describes the state of an electrical system. It is the opposite of a "closed circuit," where the path is complete and current can flow.
• It is commonly used in electrical engineering, electronics, and troubleshooting.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The light bulb did not turn on because there was an open circuit in the wiring.
  • A safety switch creates an open circuit to stop the flow of electricity during a fault.
  • The technician used a multimeter to check for an open circuit.

Advanced Usage

• "To be/become open": Used to describe a circuit entering the open state.
  • When the fuse blew, the circuit became open.
• "Open-circuit condition": A formal way to describe the state.
  • The device is designed to shut down under an open-circuit condition for safety.

Variants and Related Words

• Open (verb/adjective): As a verb, to cause a circuit to become open (e.g., ). As an adjective, describing the state (e.g., ).
• Open-circuit voltage (noun): The voltage difference between the terminals of a device when no external load is connected and no current flows.
• Short circuit (noun): The opposite fault condition, where a very low-resistance path causes excessive current flow.

Synonyms

• Broken circuit: A circuit with a break in the conductive path.
• Interrupted circuit: A circuit whose continuity has been stopped.

Antonyms

• Closed circuit: A complete, unbroken path that allows current to flow.
• Complete circuit: A circuit with a continuous conductive loop.

Noun

1. an incomplete electrical circuit in which no current flows