Amp
/æmp/noun
A unit of electric current equal to one coulomb per second, or an abbreviation for ampere.
Did you know?The unit is named after André-Marie Ampère, and his surname became so important in physics that it was clipped into everyday electrical shorthand.
Etymological Timeline
1775–1836
French
Ampère
“The surname of André-Marie Ampère, the French physicist who helped establish electrodynamics.”
19th Century
English
ampere
“The SI unit of electric current, named in honor of Ampère.”
Late 19th Century
English
amp
“An informal shortened form of ampere.”
20th Century
English
amp
“A common spoken and written abbreviation for electric current or ampere.”
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