direct current

noun

: an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value
abbreviation DC

Examples of direct current 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.
As their name implies, direct current fast charging ports use direct current, rather than the alternating current from standard power outlets, to charge electric vehicle batteries to 80% within 20 minutes to an hour, according to the federal transportation department. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2025 Limited high-voltage direct current powerlines and transmission capacity prevent renewables from being connected to the grid, especially in remote and offshore locations. Samuel Gibson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Inverters take the direct current available from your vehicle's 12V battery—the lead-acid brick inside almost every car—and turns it into alternating current suitable for standard plugs. Ars Technica, 17 Mar. 2025 Driving the news: Last month, climate entrepreneur Vic Shao officially launched his startup DC Grid, which sells off-grid power systems based on direct current (DC) for companies operating data centers and EV chargers. Katie Fehrenbacher, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for direct current

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of direct current was in 1849

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Direct current.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/direct%20current. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

direct current

noun
: an electric current flowing in one direction only
abbreviation DC

Medical Definition

direct current

noun
: an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value
abbreviation DC

More from Merriam-Webster on direct current

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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