volt

Definition

In the International System of Units, the derived unit of electrical potential and electromotive force (voltage); the potential difference across a conductor when a current of one ampere uses one watt of power. Symbol: V

Etymology

Named after Italian physicist Alessandro Volta. For the surname, see Italian Volta.

Example Sentences

• "If the volt, ampere and ohm were taken as the absolute units, the practical units would be the ampere, begohm and begavolt, names just as convenient as ampere, coulomb and farad."
• "The system voltage is 630 volts d.c. and the supply to the trains is by top-contact third rail with running rail return."
• "Each turbogenerator consisted of a steam turbine, powered by 900 psi of superheated steam, that was coupled by a set of reduction gears to a General Electric marine alternating-current generator operating at 1,800 rpm. Each generator had a capacity of 2,000 kilowatts of three-phase power at 450 volts and 60 hertz. The main 450-volt switchboard was energized by the two turbogenerators. The emergency switchboard, in the emergency generator room, was fed from the main switchboard through an electrical tie."