commutate

[kom-yuh-teyt]

verb (used with object)

Electricity.

commutated, commutating 

1. to reverse the direction of (a current or currents), as by a commutator.

2. to convert (alternating current) into direct current by use of a commutator.

commutate

/ ˈkɒmjʊˌteɪt /

verb

1. to reverse the direction of (an electric current)

2. to convert (an alternating current) into a direct current

Word History and Origins

Origin of commutate¹

First recorded in 1645–55; back formation from commutation

Example Sentences

In addition to its peculiarity of giving currents of one direction without the employment of commutating devices, such a machine differs from ordinary dynamos in that there is no reaction between armature and field.

From Project Gutenberg