Definition of direct current
: an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value
—abbreviation DC
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Recent Examples of direct current from the Web
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Pacific Gas and Electric will build 230 direct current fast-charging stations, for a total of nearly $22.5 million.
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According to the San Francisco Chronicle, PG&E will spend more than $22 million on installing 230 direct current fast-charging stations in the state.
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Pacific Gas & Electric will build 230 direct current fast-charging stations, for a total of nearly $22.5 million.
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Technology for power transmission advanced in the 1970s, allowing direct current to return as a viable option—and for lines more than 300 to 500 miles long, DC outcompetes AC.
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The device is subject to high internal temperatures that can damage transistors that convert lower-voltage direct current from the battery to higher-voltage alternating current for the motor.
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This takes the 206-volt direct current (DC) from the Prius’s nickel metal-hydride battery and converts it into the three-phase 500-volt alternating current (AC) needed to drive the car’s two electric motor/generators.
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Third rails supply power to trains from direct current electricity via a conductor that’s built either alongside or in between railroad tracks.
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The plant will create energy by converting sunlight via photovoltaic solar arrays into direct current electricity and converting it into alternating current utilizing power inverters.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'direct current.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of direct current
1849
DIRECT CURRENT Defined for English Language Learners
direct current
Definition of direct current for English Language Learners
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: an electric current that is flowing in one direction only
DIRECT CURRENT Defined for Kids
direct current
Definition of direct current for Students
: an electric current flowing in one direction only
Medical Dictionary
direct current
medical Definition of direct current
: an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value
—abbreviation DC
Learn More about direct current
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Spanish Central: Translation of direct current Nglish: Translation of direct current for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about direct current
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