SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

commutate

verb com·mu·tate \ ˈkäm-yə-ˌtāt , -yü- \

Definition of commutate

commutated; commutating

transitive verb

: to reverse every other half cycle of (an alternating current) so as to form a direct current

Origin and Etymology of commutate

back-formation from commutation

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1890

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Learn More about commutate

See words that rhyme with commutate

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up commutate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

loath

play

unwilling or reluctant

Words at Play

alt-5adf93a49b0b2

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

"In point" only lives in this phrase.

alt-5adf5d017e6bf

‘Sleight’ or ‘Slight’ of Hand?

Watch closely and be amazed.

alt-5ade0f1ca7a0c

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

The distinction is clear (now).

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

video-literally

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz

cats-on-impossible-timber

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

Take the quiz

Bee Cubed

Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.

Play the game