electric arc

noun

arc.

electric arc

An electric current, often strong, brief, and luminous, in which electrons jump across a gap. Electric arcs across specially designed electrodes can produce very high heats and bright light, and are used for such purposes as welding and illumination in spotlights. Unwanted arcs in electrical circuits can cause fires. Lightning is a case of an electric arc between one cloud and the earth or another cloud, as are sparks caused by discharges of static electricity.

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of electric arc¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Traditional steelmaking ended in Port Talbot last year as part of a plan to eventually move to greener electric arc.

From

The site is now transitioning to greener steel production with a new electric arc furnace, which requires fewer workers to run, expected to be in place from 2027.

From

The government has offered £500m of support to partly fund a switch from blast furnaces to more energy efficient electric arc furnaces.

From

The government has offered £500m of support to partly fund a switch from blast furnaces to what are known as electric arc furnaces.

From

Tata Steel's bid to build a £1.25bn electric arc furnace at its Port Talbot steelworks has been given the go-ahead by planners.

From

electrical transcription electric-arc furnace

Browse