direct current

noun

: an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value
—abbreviation DC

Examples of direct current in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This expansion adds 500 megawatts of direct current (MWdc) to the local power grid, bringing the facility’s total operating capacity close to 1 gigawatt direct current (GWdc). — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026 An inverter converts direct current electricity into alternating current electricity. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026 The ban on power inverters, which are used to convert direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity and are used in renewable energy systems, data centers and household appliances, could have sweeping ramifications. — Chan Ho-Him, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 The inverters, which convert direct current to alternating current electricity, are mainly manufactured outside the US, with only 7% of shipments coming from domestic suppliers, the White House’s report found. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for direct current

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of direct current was in 1849

Rhymes for direct current

See All Rhymes for direct current

Browse Nearby Words

direct-coupled
direct current
direct debit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Direct current.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/direct%20current. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

direct current

noun
: an electric current flowing in one direction only
—abbreviation DC

Medical Definition

direct current

noun
: an electric current flowing in one direction only and substantially constant in value
—abbreviation DC

More from Merriam-Webster on direct current

Nglish: Translation of direct current for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about direct current

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