noun
electric current
ih-LEK-trik KUR-uhnt
Electric current (noun) means the flow of electric charge through a conductor such as a wire, measured in amperes. Example: “The electric current through the filament makes it glow white hot.”
noun
1
The flow of electric charge through a conductor such as a wire, measured in amperes.
"The electric current through the filament makes it glow white hot."
"A thicker cable can carry a larger electric current without overheating."
How to use electric current
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishElectricity moving along a wire.
When to use it
Standard in science and engineering; in everyday speech people usually just say "current" or "electricity".
Memory tip
Say "a current of two amps", not "two amps of voltage"; amperes measure current only.
Easily confused with
current vs voltage
current vs power
Common pairings
carry an electric current
electric current flows
measure the electric current
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like electric current.
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
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ through the filament makes it glow white hot.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for electric current
See all rhymes for electric current →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between electric current and voltage?
Current is the rate at which charge actually flows past a point, measured in amperes; voltage is the electrical pressure pushing that charge along, measured in volts. Voltage can exist with no current flowing, as in a battery sitting on a shelf.
What is the difference between AC and DC current?
Direct current flows steadily in one direction, as from a battery. Alternating current reverses direction many times a second, which is what mains electricity supplies because it is easier to transmit over long distances.
Which way does electric current flow?
By convention current is drawn flowing from the positive terminal to the negative one. In a metal wire the electrons themselves actually move the other way, but the conventional direction is still used in circuit diagrams and calculations.
What is the meaning of electric current?
"electric current" (noun) means the flow of electric charge through a conductor such as a wire, measured in amperes.
