Meaning & use
currents
Last updated
“currents” is a form of “current”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Continuous, directed movements of water, air, or another liquid, especially in the sea or a river.
Grammar: The singular is 'current'; use 'currents' when talking about more than one flow or when the flow is thought of as a mass.
Patterns
- ocean currents
- sea currents
- strong currents
The ocean currents carry warm water from the equator toward the poles.
Strong currents make swimming dangerous near the rocks.
The river's currents shift after heavy rain.
nounpluraltechnical
Flows of electricity through a wire or circuit.
Grammar: Often used in technical contexts; the singular 'current' is more common for a single flow.
Patterns
- electric currents
- alternating currents
- currents flow
Electric currents in the wires generate heat.
The device measures small currents in the circuit.
Alternating currents change direction many times per second.
Word forms
| singular | current |
|---|
Common combinations
- ocean currents
- Ocean currents influence the climate of coastal regions.
- strong currents
- Strong currents swept the swimmer away from the shore.
- electric currents
- Electric currents can be dangerous if not handled properly.
- air currents
- Birds use rising air currents to gain height without flapping.
Synonyms and how they differ
- flows
- More general; 'flows' can refer to any movement of liquid or gas, not just the steady, directed movement typical of 'currents'.
- streams
- Often suggests a smaller, narrower flow, like a small river or a continuous jet of water; 'currents' is more often used for large-scale movements in oceans or air.
- tides
- Refers specifically to the regular rise and fall of the sea caused by the moon and sun, not to the continuous movement of water in a particular direction.
Word family
Practice
Which word best completes the sentence? 'The ____ in the river are very strong after the storm.'
Choose one answer.
'Currents' means flows of water, which fits the context of a river. 'Currency' means money, 'currants' are dried grapes, and 'currencies' are types of money, none of which make sense here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “currents”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.