polyphase

American  

[pol-ee-feyz] / ˈpɒl iˌfeɪz /

adjective

Electricity.

1. having more than one phase.

2. of or relating to a set of alternating currents that have the same frequency but different phases and that enter a specified region at more than two points.

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polyphase British  

/ ˈpɒlɪˌfeɪz /

adjective

1. Also: multiphase.  (of an electrical system, circuit, or device) having, generating, or using two or more alternating voltages of the same frequency, the phases of which are cyclically displaced by fractions of a period See also single-phase two-phase three-phase

2. having more than one phase

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Etymology

Origin of polyphase

First recorded in 1890–95; poly- + phase

Example Sentences

Matthew Inman: Overall, his most practical achievement would be the polyphase electrical system.

From Slate • Aug. 25, 2012

Cooper Hewitt's favorite discovery was the transformation of polyphase alternating current to direct current through the mercury vapor transformer.

From Time Magazine Archive

The type most commonly used is the polyphase induction motor.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 2: Ebert to Estremadura by Various

The usual voltage for these motors is 3,000 volts, but in the polyphase plant designed for the Cascade Tunnel 6,000 volts are to be used.

From The Story of Electricity by Munro, John

With the polyphase current a motor with a rotating field is used, and they have considerable efficiency as regards weight when compared with the single phase and with the direct current motor.

From The Story of Electricity by Munro, John