ENGLISH
REFERENCE

current

n. countable
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈkɑɹənt// UK //kˈʌɹənt// cur·rent Archaic General-service

n. a flow of water or air that moves in one direction. It also describes the flow of electricity through a wire.

n. a continuous, directed movement of a fluid such as water or air, or the flow of electric charge through a conductor.


SIMPLE

The strong river current makes swimming dangerous here.

CONTEXTUAL

Ocean currents play a major role in regulating the planet's climate by moving warm water toward the poles.

COMPLEX

The technician measured the electrical current to ensure the circuit could handle the load without overheating the sensitive internal components.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English curraunt, borrowed from Old French curant (French courant), present participle of courre (“to run”), from Latin currere (“to run”) (present participle currens). Doublet of courant.

Usage

Often used with adjectives like 'strong', 'swift', or 'steady' to describe the force of the flow.

© 2026 English Reference