three-phase

[ three-feyz ]

adjective

, Electricity.

1. of or relating to a circuit, system, or device that is energized by three electromotive forces that differ in phase by one third of a cycle or 120°.
2. having three phases.

three-phase

adjective

1. (of an electrical system, circuit, or device) having, generating, or using three alternating voltages of the same frequency, displaced in phase by 120°

Word History and Origins

Origin of three-phase¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Long distance, high tension transmission lines are generally three-wire lines carrying three-phase a.-c.

From Project Gutenberg

Two-phase of three-phase currents would give two or three positive impulses during this time.

From Project Gutenberg

Inside this anchor tube ran the thick coaxial cable that fed three-phase electric power from the atomic pile to the ship.

From Project Gutenberg

The magnetic field effect, Ishie had explained; but this three-phase RF generator—that puzzled him for a while.

From Project Gutenberg

The power is transmitted at a voltage of 56,000 with a frequency of sixty cycles per second (three-phase).

From Project Gutenberg