electric arc

American  

noun

1. arc.

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of electric arc

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

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

Chief Executive Rajat Marwah said the company is encouraged by the early performance of its first electric arc furnace, which he said is operating continuously and meeting product quality specifications.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 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

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.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2025

The greatest heat of all is that of the electric arc.

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.