SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

overvoltage

noun over·volt·age \ ˌō-vər-ˈvōl-tij \

Definition of overvoltage

1 : the excess potential required for the discharge of an ion at an electrode over and above the equilibrium potential of the electrode

2 : voltage in excess of the normal operating voltage of a device or circuit

First Known Use of overvoltage

1916

Seen and Heard

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

show

WORD OF THE DAY

headlong

play

without deliberation, pause, or delay

Words at Play

alt-5ad77fad37d22

What the #@*% Is a ‘Grawlix?’

We can thank Beetle Bailey.

alt-5ad76a1542e73

'Altho' vs. 'Although'

Altho doesn't get much love.

alt-5ad635a571736

A Brief History of 'Potshot'

Duck, or you might be dinner

alt-5ad5fb45b0494

What Is a 'Thirst Trap'?

A tall drink of water

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

cats-on-impossible-timber

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

name-that-thing-toys-and-games-edition

Name that Thing: Toys and Games Edition

It's all fun and games until someone beats your high score.

Take the quiz

True or False?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

Take the quiz

Bee Cubed

Listen to the words and spell through all three levels.

Play the game