current

I. adjective Etymology: Middle English curraunt, from Anglo-French corant, present participle of cure, courre to run, from Latin currere — more at car Date: 14th century 1. a. archaic running, flowing b. (1) presently elapsing <

the current year

> (2) occurring in or existing at the present time <

the current crisis

> (3) most recent <

the magazine's current issue

> 2. used as a medium of exchange 3. generally accepted, used, practiced, or prevalent at the moment <

current fashions

> • currently adverb • currentness noun II. noun Date: 14th century 1. a. the part of a fluid body (as air or water) moving continuously in a certain direction b. the swiftest part of a stream c. a tidal or nontidal movement of lake or ocean water d. flow marked by force or strength 2. a. a tendency or course of events that is usually the result of an interplay of forces <

currents of public opinion

> b. a prevailing mood ; strain 3. a flow of electric charge; also the rate of such flow Synonyms: see tendency