alternating current
noun
: an electric current that reverses its direction at regularly recurring intervals
—abbreviation AC
Examples of alternating current in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Electricity generated at power plants has what’s called an alternating current — its direction swaps 60 times per second.
—
Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 3 Nov. 2024
This gear converted grid power to direct current and then converted it back to alternating current—conversions that consumed a full 6 percent of the plant’s electricity.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2024
The shingle-style component—made of both glass solar and steel tiles—absorbs sunlight and converts direct current energy into alternating current energy that can power the home.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2024
The inverter is bidirectional, so that alternating current produced by the e-axle under regenerative braking is turned into direct current to charge the battery.
—Jason Barlow, WIRED, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for alternating current 
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.
Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 3 Nov. 2024
This gear converted grid power to direct current and then converted it back to alternating current—conversions that consumed a full 6 percent of the plant’s electricity.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2024
The shingle-style component—made of both glass solar and steel tiles—absorbs sunlight and converts direct current energy into alternating current energy that can power the home.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2024
The inverter is bidirectional, so that alternating current produced by the e-axle under regenerative braking is turned into direct current to charge the battery.
—Jason Barlow, WIRED, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for alternating current
Dictionary Entries Near alternating current
Cite this Entry
“Alternating current.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternating%20current. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share