parallel circuit

American  

[par-uh-lel sur-kit] / ˈpær əˌlɛl ˈsɜr kɪt /

noun

parallel circuits plural

1. Electricity. a circuit in which the current flows through two or more paths that share the same two endpoints, so that a failure of flow in any one path will not prevent the other paths from carrying the current. Compare series circuit.

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parallel circuit Scientific  

1. See under circuit

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• parallel circuits
  plural

Example Sentences

Each resistor in a parallel circuit has the same full voltage of the source applied to it.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

The current flowing through each resistor in a parallel circuit is different, depending on the resistance.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

The following experiment shows in a striking form the principles just considered: An Edison lamp is placed in parallel circuit with a small dynamo machine, used as a motor.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 388, June 9, 1883 by Various

It ceased when a repeater-tube went out and a parallel circuit took over.

From The Machine That Saved The World by Leinster, Murray

Two generating dynamos were used, which were coupled in parallel circuit, but in such a manner that the difference of potential in both machines remained the same at all times.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 433, April 19, 1884 by Various