direct current

noun

Electricity. an electric current of constant direction, having a magnitude that does not vary or varies only slightly.

Abbreviation: dc.

Compare alternating current.

Origin

1885-90

Related forms

direct-current, adjective

Examples from the web for direct current

Normally a computer's power supply converts alternating current to clean direct current.
And factor in the effect of high voltage direct current transmission.
So the future is locally produced direct current solar energy.
The usual way to do this would be to use a rectifier-a device that converts alternating to direct current.
The disadvantage is that reverse electrodialysis produces direct current, whereas the world runs mostly on alternating current.
Watch a video on the development of the direct current.
Alternating current can actually be more dangerous than direct current.
The grids were not built to handle this sort of direct current electricity.
The module on the left converts high-voltage alternating current from the grid to direct current.

British Dictionary definitions for direct current

direct current

noun

a continuous electric current that flows in one direction only, without substantial variation in magnitude DC Compare alternating current

direct current in Science

direct current

(dĭ-rěkt')
An electric current that moves in one direction with constant strength. Batteries are a source of direct current. Direct current is not used for long-distance power transmission because it is difficult to step up the voltage to a level that is efficient for energy transfer and then to step the voltage back down again for safe domestic use. Compare alternating current. See Notes at current, Tesla.

direct current in Culture

direct current (DC)

The electric current in which the electrons flow in one direction only. (Compare alternating current (AC).)

Note: DC is usually supplied by batteries.