Word
Definition
n. the force of an electric current that moves through a wire. You can think of it like the pressure that pushes water through a pipe.
n. the difference in electric potential between two points, expressed in volts. It represents the electrical pressure that drives a current through a conductive loop.
Examples
“The battery provides a low voltage for the small toy.”
“Before plugging in your hair dryer abroad, check if the local voltage is compatible with your device.”
“Electrical engineers must carefully regulate the voltage across the circuit to prevent sensitive components from overheating or failing under excessive pressure.”
Examples
simple
“The battery provides a low voltage for the small toy.”
contextual
“Before plugging in your hair dryer abroad, check if the local voltage is compatible with your device.”
complex
“Electrical engineers must carefully regulate the voltage across the circuit to prevent sensitive components from overheating or failing under excessive pressure.”
Real-World Examples
“They also responded around 10 times faster to changes in electrical voltage.” Etymology
From volt + -age, ultimately derived from the name of Alessandro Volta, inventor of the modern battery.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/voltage
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0