intermittent current
C2Technical / Scientific
Definition
Meaning
An electric current that flows in pulses or starts and stops at regular or irregular intervals, as opposed to a steady, continuous flow.
A flow of electricity that is not constant, characterized by periodic cessation. The term can also metaphorically describe anything that occurs at irregular intervals or in a broken sequence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a technical term in physics and electrical engineering. The 'intermittent' nature refers to the temporal pattern of the flow, not its magnitude or voltage. Often contrasted with 'direct current' (DC) or 'alternating current' (AC), though both can be made intermittent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows respective conventions (e.g., 'metre' vs. 'meter' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both dialects, confined to technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [device] generates an intermittent current.An intermittent current is applied to the [electrode/circuit].[Subject] operates on intermittent current.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. Potential metaphorical use: 'an intermittent current of ideas'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in technical specifications for equipment procurement.
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, and medical (e.g., TENS machine) research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by someone explaining a technical fault.
Technical
Core usage. Found in electrical engineering, electronics manuals, and experimental protocols.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The circuit was designed to intermittently current the coil.
American English
- The device intermittently currents the electrode.
adverb
British English
- The coil was energised intermittently-current.
American English
- The device pulsed intermittently-current.
adjective
British English
- The intermittent-current supply caused the lamp to flicker.
- They studied intermittent-current phenomena.
American English
- An intermittent-current motor is used in this application.
- The intermittent-current signal was measured.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old light flickered because of an intermittent current.
- Some battery chargers use an intermittent current to prevent overheating.
- The scientist measured the effects of an intermittent current on the muscle tissue.
- The experimental protocol called for the application of a precisely calibrated intermittent current to the neural synapse.
- Unlike a smooth direct current, the intermittent current caused discrete, pulsatile releases of the electrolyte.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a light flickering ON and OFF intermittently. The electric current causing that flicker is an INTERMITTENT CURRENT.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLOW IS CONTINUITY; therefore, an INTERMITTENT CURRENT is a BROKEN or INTERRUPTED FLOW.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'интермиттентный ток' (unnatural). Use standard term 'прерывистый ток' or 'пульсирующий ток'.
- Do not confuse with 'alternating current' (AC), which is 'переменный ток'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'intermittent' to describe voltage instead of current flow (e.g., 'intermittent voltage').
- Confusing it with 'alternating current' (AC). AC changes direction continuously; intermittent current stops and starts.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of an intermittent current?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Alternating current (AC) continuously reverses direction in a sinusoidal pattern. Intermittent current stops and starts (or goes to zero) completely. AC can be made intermittent, but they are not synonymous.
In specific medical devices (like TENS units), some battery charging circuits, arc welding, and certain types of scientific laboratory equipment.
Yes, like any electric current, it can be dangerous depending on its voltage, frequency, and amperage. The intermittent nature does not inherently make it safer.
A steady, continuous, or constant current, such as from a standard battery (providing direct current) or a well-regulated power supply.