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Glite Dictionary
AC

AC

63 3.4
An electric current that changes direction regularly, used to power homes
  • noun
  • /eɪ si/
  • Specialized
translation icon : corriente alterna
  • Input power is 230 V AC at a frequency of 50 to 60 Hz.
  • AC adapter
  • AC power
  • AC voltage

Here we turn it from AC into DCI.

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Examples

  • And now you run AC current through those coils.

  • Models are available for AC voltage and signal input, as well as watt and VAR measurement.

    Academic text (1995)

  • OK, so now the AC is going to be stronger.

  • We're above a sweatshop, no AC, not even fans?

    Monsters of Man (2020)

  • You sweat out here in the parking lot then you freeze in the AC.

    One of These Days (2021)

  • If you live in this city during July without AC, you know all about the four-shower-a-day cure.

    Fiction book (1993)

  • I turn off the AC, roll down the window a crack, and listen to Radio Havana.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • Both models can accept 120, 208, or 240 V AC power at 50 or 60 Hz.

    Academic text (2011)

  • On each truck, an 1100-kilowatt three-phase AC asynchronous motor powers the two axles.

    Academic text (1993)

  • The technician explained how AC current flows in both directions, unlike direct current.

Synonyms

alternating current
vsAC
  • Specialized
6 3.4

Electric current that changes direction back and forth

is the abbreviated form used in writing and labels
alternating electric current
vsAC
  • Specialized
3.9

A flow of electricity that moves back and forth regularly, like the power in homes

is the shorter standard name without the extra adjective

Surface Forms

AC singular
ACs plural

Etymology

AC stands for alternating current, where alternating comes from 'alternate', meaning 'to take turns'. So AC is an electric flow that 'changes direction' or goes 'back and forth', which explains the name.