volt

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈvōlt 

: the practical meter-kilogram-second unit of electrical potential difference and electromotive force equal to the difference of potential between two points in a conducting wire carrying a constant current of one ampere when the power dissipated between these two points is equal to one watt and equivalent to the potential difference across a resistance of one ohm when one ampere is flowing through it

volt

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈvōlt  ˈvȯlt 

1

: a leaping movement in fencing to avoid a thrust

2

a

: a tread or gait in which a horse going sideways makes a turn around a center

b

: a circle traced by a horse in this movement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Each one produced a volt. —Carlos R. Muñoz, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Feb. 2022

The polyester in the sling generated greater electrostatic potentials during the day than at night (326-395 volt/sq. —Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 18 July 2014

South Coast Paper was also cited by OSHA for lack of machine guarding, and not providing clear access in front of a 480-volt breaker panel nor training on electrical safe work practices. —Howard Koplowitz | [e-mail], al, 14 Apr. 2023

This new bound is sensitive to energies above roughly 1013 electron-volts — more than an order of magnitude beyond what the LHC can currently test. —Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 10 Apr. 2023

Ram says drivers will able to add up to 110 miles of range to the pickup in just 10 minutes with 800-volt DC fast charging at up to 350 kW. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2023

The larger battery charges from 10-80% in 43 minutes on a public, 400-volt fast charger, which is standard for an EV of its price and battery size. —Emily Dreibelbis, PCMAG, 5 Apr. 2023

Ram won’t say how long a full charge will take, either from the 240-volt chargers most EV owners use at home every night, or the DCFCs that make long drives requiring several charges feasible. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 5 Apr. 2023

Powering a trolling motor requires a 12-volt deep-cycle marine battery that discharges over a longer period without losing power. —Ric Burnley, Field & Stream, 3 Apr. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Alessandro Volta

Noun (2)

borrowed from French volte, borrowed from Italian volta "turn," noun derivative of voltare "to turn," going back to Vulgar Latin *volvitāre, frequentative of Latin volvere "to set in a circular course, cause to roll, bring round" — more at wallow entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1873, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing volt

• volt-ampere
• electron volt

• volt-ampere
• electron volt

Kids Definition

volt

noun

ˈvōlt

: a unit of electrical potential difference and electromotive force equal to the difference in potential between two points in a conducting wire carrying a constant current of one ampere when the power used between these two points is equal to one watt

Medical Definition

volt

noun

ˈvōlt 

1

: the practical mks unit of electrical potential difference and electromotive force equal to the difference of potential between two points in a conducting wire carrying a constant current of one ampere when the power dissipated between these two points is equal to one watt and equivalent to the potential difference across a resistance of one ohm when one ampere is flowing through it

2

: a unit of electrical potential difference and electromotive force equal to 1.00034 volts and formerly taken as the standard in the United States