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Volt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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volt

[voʊlt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

electrical unit

A volt is the unit of electric potential difference or electromotive force in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the difference in electric potential that will cause one ampere of current to flow through a resistance of one ohm. The volt is named after the Italian scientist Alessandro Volta, who is credited with inventing the voltaic pile, the first chemical battery. This unit is widely used in electrical engineering and physics.

Synonyms

electromotive force, potential difference.

Examples of usage

  • The battery provided a voltage of 12 volts.
  • The circuit operates efficiently at 230 volts.
  • High-voltage power lines transmit energy at thousands of volts.
  • A typical household outlet supplies 120 volts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'volt'

The term 'volt' was introduced in the early 19th century in honor of Alessandro Volta, an Italian physicist known for his pioneering work in electricity. The voltaic pile, which he developed in 1800, was the first true battery capable of producing a steady flow of electric current. The use of 'volt' as a unit was formalized in 1881 by the International Electrical Exhibition held in Frankfurt, where it was adopted to standardize measurements in electrical engineering. Over the years, the volt has become a fundamental unit in both theoretical and applied aspects of electromagnetism, serving as a cornerstone for understanding electric circuits, devices, and various electrical phenomena. Its significance has only grown with advances in technology, particularly in telecommunications, computing, and renewable energy systems.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,263, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.