electric arc

American  

noun

1. arc.

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electric arc Scientific  

1. An electric current, often strong, brief, and luminous, in which electrons jump across a gap. Electric arcs across specially designed electrodes can produce very high heats and bright light, and are used for such purposes as welding and illumination in spotlights. Unwanted arcs in electrical circuits can cause fires. Lightning is a case of an electric arc between one cloud and the earth or another cloud, as are sparks caused by discharges of static electricity.

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Etymology

Origin of electric arc

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The government's steel measures were announced by Business Secretary Peter Kyle in Port Talbot, in Wales, where steel maker Tata is building an electric arc furnace which will make steel by melting scrap metal.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Chief Executive Rajat Marwah said the company is encouraged by the early performance of its first electric arc furnace, which he said is operating continuously and meeting product quality specifications.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

In a report, RBC’s James McGarragle says the Canadian steelmaker’s shift to electric arc furnace production and improving supply dynamics is setting the stage for a gradual earnings recovery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

While the old blast furnace structures are still standing, the area where the electric arc furnace will stand is being cleared ahead of construction.

From BBC • Sep. 29, 2025

If we interpose the intense calcium light or an electric arc light between the eye and the sun, these artificial sources will look like black spots on the disk.

From Astronomy: The Science of the Heavenly Bodies by Todd, David Peck