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overcurrent

overcurrent

7.5
Relating to an electrical current that is stronger than a circuit can safely carry
  • adjective
  • /ˌoʊvərˈkʌrənt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sobrecorriente
  • Do you want a multi rail power supply with overcurrent protection applied in a way that would, you know, prevent potential problems?

Examples

  • Many power strips come with built-in overcurrent protection to prevent damage to connected devices.

  • The technician installed a device that automatically shuts down the system during an overcurrent event.

  • When the appliance drew too much power, the fuse blew due to the overcurrent in the circuit.

How High

overcurrent
  • Specialized
7.5
excessive
224 3.6
high
1.0
elevated
4.6
normal
1.0

Surface Forms

overcurrent positive

Morphology

overcurrent = current (transparent) = over + current

Meaning is directly derived from 'over' (excessive) + 'current' (electric flow), which an intermediate-level learner can readily interpret.

Etymology

Overcurrent is made of the parts over- 'too much' and current 'flow', as in a water current, so as an adjective it describes an electrical flow that is above safe limits.