cur·rent / ˈkərənt; ˈkə-rənt/ • adj. belonging to the present time; happening or being used or done now: keep abreast of current events. ∎  in common or general use: the other meaning of the word is still current.• n. a body of water or air moving in a definite direction, esp. through a surrounding body of water or air in which there is less movement: ocean currents. ∎  a flow of electricity which results from the ordered directional movement of electrically charged particles. ∎  a quantity representing the rate of flow of electric charge, usually measured in amperes. ∎  the general tendency or course of events or opinion: the student movement formed a distinct current of protest.

current flowing XIII; in circulation or vogue XV; in progress XVII. ME. cora(u)nt — OF. corant, prp. of courre :- L. currere run; see -ENT.
Also sb. stream XIV; course, progress (of time, etc.) XVI; (electr.) XVIII. Hence currency circulation, vogue XVII; medium of exchange XVIII.