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Glite Dictionary
⚡ Too much current ⚡ Excess current
overcurrent

overcurrent

7.2
A flow of electricity that is stronger than a circuit can safely carry
  • noun
  • /ˌoʊvərˈkʌrənt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sobrecorriente
  • To prevent an overcurrent, engineers design circuits with overload protection features.

Examples

  • An overcurrent can cause serious damage to electrical appliances if not detected in time.

  • Overcurrents or pulse currents must be carefully controlled, or the rotor will overheat and become damaged.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Re: the 5mA of overcurrent, the closest thing I see to that is dICC, and the 5000uA figure there is the guaranteed maximum for chips working at 125 degrees C.

    Blog text (18)

  • Those shows always had an undercurrent (and occasionally overcurrent) of discomfort, with real-life weirdos set up against fake talk shows, commercials, and songs.

    Blog text (31)

  • When the circuit experienced an overcurrent, the safety fuse blew to prevent overheating.

How High

surge
132 4.2
overcurrent
  • Specialized
7.2
elevated
4.6
normal
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

overcurrent singular
overcurrents plural

Morphology

overcurrent = current (transparent) = over + current

The noun is a direct lexicalization of 'over-' + 'current' meaning an excessive electrical current; the composition is literal and productive.

Etymology

Overcurrent is made of the parts over- 'too much' and current 'flow', so as a noun it means an electrical flow that is too strong for a circuit and can cause damage.