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direct current

American  

noun

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

direct current British  

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
direct current Scientific  
/ dĭ-rĕkt′ /

  1. 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.

  2. Compare alternating current See Notes at current Tesla

direct current Cultural  

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

Discover More

DC is usually supplied by batteries.

Other Word Forms

  • direct-current adjective

Etymology

Origin of direct current

First recorded in 1885–90

Compare meaning

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some solar farms are recorded in MW direct current, or else an unknown capacity rating.

From Barron's • Nov. 11, 2025

The SUV has a range of 261 miles and can charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 43 minutes with a direct current fast charger.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 2025

Astrocytes can also be activated by low-amplitude direct current stimulation.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2024

One of the first West Coast reinforced concrete structures, the steam plant originally powered the Interurban Railway between Seattle and Tacoma and supplied direct current for Seattle streetcars and alternating current for Georgetown.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 26, 2023

And of course Edison urged the fair to use direct current, DC, the prevailing standard.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.