direct current
noun
: an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value —abbreviation DC
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Whereas other machines generate AC (alternating current) power to begin with, inverter generators convert the AC power to DC (direct current), then back to AC. 
Bradley Ford, Popular Mechanics, 1 Sep. 2022 What if alternating-current inventor Nikola Tesla came forward in time and discovered that the cars named for him run on direct current? Pat Myers, Washington Post, 11 Aug. 2022 People seem to be less happy with level two chargers, which will refill EVs at a slower rate than a dedicated DC (direct current) fast charger. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2022 But not all EVs use the same plug, and then there's the matter of alternating current (AC) versus direct current (DC) systems. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 28 July 2022 That will be the world’s longest undersea high voltage direct current cable. Jonathan Burgos, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2022 To avoid large losses of power over long distances, the electricity must be converted from alternating current to direct current, and then back again at the other end. New York Times, 4 Jan. 2022 There are three parts to this: converting power from the outlet to RF, transmitting and receiving RF waves, and converting RF to direct current in the receiving device. Simon Hill, Wired, 8 Jan. 2022 When the solar panel collects sunlight, it is absorbed as a direct current or DC. Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 8 Nov. 2021 See More
Bradley Ford, Popular Mechanics, 1 Sep. 2022 What if alternating-current inventor Nikola Tesla came forward in time and discovered that the cars named for him run on direct current? Pat Myers, Washington Post, 11 Aug. 2022 People seem to be less happy with level two chargers, which will refill EVs at a slower rate than a dedicated DC (direct current) fast charger. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2022 But not all EVs use the same plug, and then there's the matter of alternating current (AC) versus direct current (DC) systems. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 28 July 2022 That will be the world’s longest undersea high voltage direct current cable. Jonathan Burgos, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2022 To avoid large losses of power over long distances, the electricity must be converted from alternating current to direct current, and then back again at the other end. New York Times, 4 Jan. 2022 There are three parts to this: converting power from the outlet to RF, transmitting and receiving RF waves, and converting RF to direct current in the receiving device. Simon Hill, Wired, 8 Jan. 2022 When the solar panel collects sunlight, it is absorbed as a direct current or DC. Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 8 Nov. 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1849, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
direct current
noun
: an electric current flowing in one direction only
Medical Definition
direct current
noun
: an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value —abbreviation DC