electric arc

noun

1. arc.

electric arc

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of electric arc¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

But 400,000 tonnes of material has now been cleared from the site, and up to 1,200 workers will help in constructing a new £1.25bn electric arc furnace which will melt scrap steel.

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Talks on scrapping tariffs on UK steel are on hold, with US officials raising concerns over Tata's shift from blast furnaces to new electric arc furnaces, due in 2027.

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Steelmaking in the US is already greener than in many countries, thanks to the popularity of electric arc furnaces there.

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It's understood that a number of commercial buyers have already approached the government about taking over SSUK, which has already transitioned to greener electric arc furnaces.

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Construction will commence on a new electric arc furnace at Port Talbot's Tata steel works, which is expected to be up and running by 2027 and reduce the site's carbon emissions by about 90%.

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