Volt-Ampere
/ˌvoʊltˈæm.pɪr/noun
A unit of apparent power in an alternating-current electrical circuit, equal to one volt multiplied by one ampere.
Did you know?The term is a modern scientific compound, named from two eponymous units: volt honors Alessandro Volta, while ampere honors André-Marie Ampère, so its “mystery” is really the history of electricity turned into a measuring spell.
Etymological Timeline
1830s
Italian
Volta
“The surname of Alessandro Volta, the physicist whose name was later given to the unit of electric potential.”
1820s
French
Ampère
“The surname of André-Marie Ampère, whose name was later given to the unit of electric current.”
Late 19th Century
English
volt-ampere
“A compound term used in electrical engineering for the product of voltage and current.”
20th Century
English
volt-ampere
“Standardized as a unit of apparent power in alternating-current systems.”