direct current

noun

: an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value
abbreviation DC

Examples of direct current in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Edison’s genius was less in his lab notebooks — his beloved direct current turned out to be a loser in our alternating-current world — than in his grasp of network effects and utility. Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Photovoltaic panels are made from silicon cells that generate direct current electricity when sunlight excites electrons. Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025 So the inertia discourse was in part a discussion of how to incorporate direct current sources such as photovoltaics into an AC grid. IEEE Spectrum, 16 June 2025 The chair used 1,300 volts of alternating current, developed by Nikola Tesla; Thomas Edison promoted the execution to associate AC with death and thus boost his own direct current system. Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for direct current

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of direct current was in 1849

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Cite this Entry

“Direct current.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/direct%20current. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

direct current

noun
: an electric current flowing in one direction only
abbreviation DC

Medical Definition

direct current

noun
: an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value
abbreviation DC

More from Merriam-Webster on direct current

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