potential difference

American  

noun

Electricity.

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

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potential difference British  

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

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potential difference Scientific  

/ pə-tĕn′shəl /

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

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Etymology

Origin of potential difference

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

That’s a potential difference of tens of thousands a year in retirement checks.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2024

That would entail taking some risks through a major free agent swing, dealing a popular player or two or trading stockpiled draft picks in a package for a potential difference maker.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2024

In a series where batting and spin bowling promised to be the decisive factors, Bumrah is emerging as a potential difference between the two sides.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2024

Keep in mind that whenever a voltage is quoted, it is understood to be the potential difference between two points.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Self-registering voltmeters indicate at any moment the potential difference in every tank, and therefore give notice of short circuits occurring at any part of the installation.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 3 "Convention" to "Copyright" by Various