current

Everyday

1. A current is a strong movement of water or air in one direction, as in a river or the sea. tree →
2. An electric current is the flow of electricity through a wire. tree →
3. Current (adjective) means happening or existing now: the current weather. tree →
4. If a story or word is current, many people in a place know it and use it. tree →

In the lessons

In science, electric current flows around a complete circuit from a battery through wires and bulbs; if the circuit is broken, the current stops. In water safety lessons currents are dangerous: a rip current at the beach can pull swimmers out to sea, so swim between the flags and, if caught, don't fight it but swim parallel to the shore or float and signal for help. In everyday life «current» means up to date: current news. Phrases: rip current, electric current, against the current, current events.

Examples

• The river current is too strong for swimming. tree →
• Swim between the red and yellow flags to avoid rip currents. tree →
• An electric current flows through the wire to the bulb. tree →
• If the circuit is broken, the current cannot flow. tree →
• The boat drifted with the current. tree →
• Who is the current captain of the team? tree →
• Warm ocean currents make some coasts milder. tree →
• A rip current can pull you away from the beach. tree →
• "vitty" = Devonian for "decent," I conclude the tale is current in Devon. tree →

Note

Do not confuse with «currant» (a small dried grape, as in a currant bun); they sound the same. A current can be strong even when the water surface looks calm. In electricity, current is measured in amps.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means accepted as real money by merchants at that time.

Interpretation. Abraham paying full, accepted silver for the burial cave at Machpelah is read as showing that the land was honestly acquired. It is a model of honest dealing.

Examples

• And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the hearing of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant. (Torah GEN.23.16, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Do not confuse with «currant» (a small dried grape, as in a currant bun); they sound the same. A current can be strong even when the water surface looks calm. In electricity, current is measured in amps.