circuit in electricity

Meaning

1. 1phrasecountable

   A complete path that allows electric current to flow from a source, through components, and back to the source.

   Grammar: Countable; you can say 'a circuit in electricity' or 'circuits in electricity'. Often shortened to 'circuit' when the context is clear.

   Patterns

   • a circuit in electricity
   • complete a circuit in electricity
   • break a circuit in electricity

   To light the bulb, you must connect the wires to form a circuit in electricity.

   A switch is used to open or close a circuit in electricity.

   The teacher explained how a circuit in electricity works using a battery and a small lamp.

Word forms

Common combinations

closed circuit

When the switch is closed, the circuit is complete and current flows.

open circuit

An open circuit means there is a break, so no electricity can pass.

short circuit

A short circuit can cause a spark or even a fire.

series circuit

In a series circuit, the current has only one path to follow.

parallel circuit

A parallel circuit has multiple branches for the current.

electrical circuit

The electrical circuit in the house was faulty.

Synonyms and how they differ

electrical circuit

The standard term; 'circuit in electricity' is more descriptive and used mainly in teaching contexts.

circuit

Shorter and more common; use it when the context makes the meaning clear.

Word family

circuitry noun

The system of circuits in a device.

circuitous adjective

Not directly related; means indirect or roundabout.

Commonly confused: circuit in electricity or circle?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “circuit in electricity”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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