alternating electric current
- noun
- /ˈɔltərˌneɪtɪŋ ɪˈlɛktrɪk ˈkʌrənt/
- Specialized
:
corriente eléctrica alterna
- Generators at power stations produce alternating electric current for distribution to homes and businesses.
Examples
-
Most household appliances are designed to operate on alternating electric current.
-
The power lines in residential areas typically carry alternating electric current.
-
The power supply uses alternating electric current.
-
Many appliances operate on alternating electric current.
-
Generators at power stations produce alternating electric current for distribution to homes and businesses.
-
Most household appliances are designed to operate on alternating electric current.
-
The power lines in residential areas typically carry alternating electric current.
Synonyms
63
3.4
An electric current that changes direction regularly, used to power homes
6
3.4
Electric current that changes direction back and forth
How Often
- Specialized
1
6.8
- Specialized
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
alternating + electric + current
The phrase is directly compositional: 'alternating' (reversing periodically) modifies 'current' (a flow) and 'electric' specifies the type of flow, so the meaning 'an electric flow that reverses direction' is deducible from the parts. This is a technical but transparent combination and similar constructions exist cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would grasp the basic meaning.
Etymology
Alternating electric current comes from a simple picture: alternating means turning one way and then the other, and current means moving electricity, so it 'flows back and forth' regularly. That's why it means 'an electric flow that reverses direction'.