alternating current

noun

: an electric current that reverses its direction at regularly recurring intervals

—abbreviation AC

Examples of alternating current in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Direct current runs from the units through conduit in the mullion cavity to an inverter in the electrical room, where it is converted to alternating current and tied into the building’s existing distribution. — Zev Laine, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Conventional battery storage units use alternating current connections, which require multiple power conversion stages. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026

Homes, power grids and data centers generally need alternating current. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026

The ban on power inverters, which are used to convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity and are used in renewable energy systems, data centers and household appliances, could have sweeping ramifications. — Chan Ho-Him, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alternating current

• concurrent
• decurrent
• noncurrent
• recurrent
• countercurrent
• intercurrent
• overcurrent
• photocurrent
• undercurrent

Kids Definition

alternating current

noun

: an electric current that reverses its direction at regular intervals

—abbreviation AC