abbreviation Common

DC

dee-SEE

Quiz me More like this

DC (abbreviation) means Direct current: an electric current that flows steadily in one direction, of the kind supplied by batteries, solar panels and USB chargers. Example: “Most household electronics run on DC even though the wall socket delivers AC.”

abbreviation

Direct current: an electric current that flows steadily in one direction, of the kind supplied by batteries, solar panels and USB chargers.

"Most household electronics run on DC even though the wall socket delivers AC."

"The solar panels feed DC power into an inverter."

District of Columbia, used after the city name to identify the capital of the United States and distinguish it from Washington State.

"She flew to Washington, DC for the hearing."

How to use DC

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishElectricity that flows one way, like from a battery — or short for Washington, D.C.

When to use it

The electrical sense is technical but everyday; the geographical sense is standard in American writing.

Easily confused with

AC →

Common pairings

DC power DC voltage AC/DC converter 12V DC Washington, DC

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like DC.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “DC” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Most household electronics run on _____ even though the wall socket delivers AC.

Etymology

An initialism, in the electrical sense of direct current and in the geographical sense of District of Columbia.

Origin: English

Antonyms

Related words

ac actinium

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between AC and DC?

DC (direct current) flows in one constant direction at a steady voltage, as it does from a battery. AC (alternating current) reverses direction many times a second, which makes it easy to step up and down with transformers, so it is what mains electricity uses.

Should DC be written with full stops?

Both DC and D.C. are correct. British style generally drops the stops; American style keeps them in Washington, D.C., though modern usage increasingly writes DC.

Why do phones and laptops need adapters?

They run on low-voltage DC, but the mains supplies high-voltage AC, so the power brick converts and steps the supply down.

What is the meaning of DC?

"DC" (abbreviation) means direct current: an electric current that flows steadily in one direction, of the kind supplied by batteries, solar panels and USB chargers.

People also searched

ac actinium