# DAC

/ˈdæk/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dac
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. audio/electronics

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Digital-to-Analog Converter. A piece of technology that turns digital files into sound you can hear.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Digital-to-Analog Converter. A hardware component that translates binary data into an analog signal for reproduction through speakers or headphones.

- He bought an external DAC to get better sound quality from his computer.
- Audiophiles often invest in high-end external DACs to bypass the inferior integrated sound chips found in standard consumer laptops.

Usage: Usually functions as a countable noun referring to the physical device.

Teaching tip: In modern consumer electronics, this is the most common sense a learner will encounter, especially in discussions about high-fidelity audio.

### 2. climate technology

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Academic

Stands for Direct Air Capture. A technology that pulls carbon dioxide directly out of the air to help the environment.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Direct Air Capture. A process of capturing carbon dioxide directly from the ambient air using chemical reactions.

- Scientists are building a new DAC plant to help reduce greenhouse gases.
- The viability of DAC as a climate solution depends heavily on the availability of cheap renewable energy to power the carbon extraction process.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier before another noun.

Teaching tip: This is a relatively new term in environmental science and is frequently seen in news reports about climate change technology.

### 3. police rank

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Formal

Stands for Deputy Assistant Commissioner. A very high-ranking officer in the London police.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Deputy Assistant Commissioner. A senior rank within the Metropolitan Police Service in London, sitting above Commander.

- The DAC held a press conference to discuss the major investigation.
- As a DAC in the Metropolitan Police, she was responsible for overseeing specialist operations across the entire city.

Usage: Used as a title or a countable noun within the context of UK law enforcement.

Teaching tip: This sense is highly specific to the UK and is rarely used outside of discussions involving the London Metropolitan Police.

## Examples

- The DAC in my headphones improves the sound quality.
- High-end audio systems often use an external DAC to ensure that the digital signal is converted to analog with minimal noise.
- The performance of a DAC is measured by its signal-to-noise ratio and its ability to reproduce the original analog waveform without introducing distortion or jitter.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.