AC/DC

adjective

ˈā-(ˌ)sē-ˈdē-(ˌ)sē 

variants or less commonly AC-DC

1

a

: using or operating on either alternating or direct current

Using this circuit, you can control any AC/DC appliance remotely through inexpensive, low-voltage cabling and a standard push switch.

—T. K. Hareendran

b

: converting between alternating and direct current

The … package includes … an AC/DC adapter that can be used when the player is not running on its two AAA batteries.

—Will Davis

2

[from the likening of a bisexual person to an electrical appliance which can operate on either alternating or direct current] dated slang : bisexual sense 1a

… preaches inclusiveness regardless of … sexual orientation—including those who are AC/DC …

—The Weekly Standard

Word History

Etymology

Alternating Current/Direct Current

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1a