potential difference

noun

Electricity.

1. the difference between the potentials of two points in an electric field.

potential difference

noun

1. U.  ΔV.  Δφ.  pd. the difference in electric potential between two points in an electric field; the work that has to be done in transferring unit positive charge from one point to the other, measured in volts Compare electromotive force

potential difference

1. The difference, measured in volts, in electric potential between two points, especially two points in an electric circuit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of potential difference¹

First recorded in 1895–1900