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

See Examples For:

electric arc

The new electric arc furnace was hoped to be up and running by the end of 2027, replacing the traditional blast furnaces which closed two years ago with the loss of 2,000 jobs.

From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2026

In October 2024, Tata Steel's last blast furnace was switched off, with the aim of building a new electric arc furnace by the end of 2027.

From BBC ● May 31, 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

That said, a shift to electric arc furnace production sets BlueScope’s business there “up for sustained success,” say Wilson and Reilly.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 2, 2025

So although there are some lighthouses with electric arc lights, that which is now believed to be the best is an oil lamp of special design, using a mantle of the Welsbach type.

From Marvels of Scientific Invention An Interesting Account in Non-technical Language of the Invention of Guns, Torpedoes, Submarine Mines, Up-to-date Smelting, Freezing, Colour Photography, and many other recent Discoveries of Science by Corbin, Thomas W.