Circuit

A conducting path for electric currents properly forming a complete path with ends joined and including generally a generating device of some kind. Part of the conduction may be true and part electrolytic. (See Electrolytic Conduction.) The term has become extended, so that the term is often applied to any portion of a circuit conveniently considered by itself. The simplest example of a complete circuit would be a circular conductor. If rotated in the earth's field so as to cut its lines of force a current would go through it, and it would be an electric circuit. Another example is a galvanic battery with its ends connected by a wire. Here the battery generates the current which, by electrolytic conduction, goes through the battery and by true conduction through the wire. For an example of a portion of a circuit spoken of as "a circuit" see Circuit, Astatic.