volt

1 of 2

noun (1)

: 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
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

Examples of volt 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.
Noun
Shock collars can deliver electrical charges as high as 100 volts. Landon Mion, Fox News, 24 Mar. 2025 In addition to the dielectric sheet, the chip uses high-power Intel transistors with a breakdown voltage of 6.3 volts and maximum frequency of 290 GHz, higher than those of conventional CMOS transistors. IEEE Spectrum, 15 Mar. 2025 An onboard electronic control system delivers up to 500 volts to each of those actuators at a power of just 500 milliwatts. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2025 The battery pack can be charged in 9 hours on a 240 volt level II charger. Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for volt

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of volt was in 1688

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Cite this Entry

“Volt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/volt. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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
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

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