voltage
VOL-tij
/ˈvoʊltɪdʒ/
An electromotive force or potential difference expressed in volts, pushing electrons through a conductor.
Think of voltage as electrical pressure; high voltage can push electricity across greater resistance.
The story behind the word. Coined in the 19th century to honor Alessandro Volta, inventor of the electric battery (the voltaic pile in 1800). The suffix '-age' was attached to denote measure.
Word relationships
- potential difference: Potential difference is the formal physics term; voltage is the practical measurement unit.
- electromotive force: Electromotive force (EMF) refers specifically to the energy source driving electrical charge.
- zero potential: Zero potential signifies no electrical pressure differential.
Commonly confused with
- ampacity: Voltage measures electrical pressure, while ampacity measures safe current-carrying capacity.
Word family
- volt (noun): The standard SI unit of electromotive force.
Collocations
- high voltage
- voltage drop
- line voltage
- voltage rating
Idioms & expressions
- high-voltage personality (an energetic or intense personality)
Example sentences
- "Before servicing the main panel, the electrician used a multimeter to verify that line voltage had dropped to zero." Commercial Jobsite
- "High voltage transmission lines reduce power losses over long geographical distances." Standard Physics Text (Principles of Electrical Power)
Memory hook
VOLTage acts like VOLume and pressure pushing water through a pipe. Electrical pressure pushing current.
When not to use
Do not confuse voltage (electrical pressure) with current (the volume rate of electron flow).
Fun facts
- Static electric shocks from carpet can exceed 25,000 volts, though current is tiny and safe.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.