What does AC (whiff) notation mean/do?

[Shoopman]

While looking around at various combo threads, I have come across the notation AC (whiff) in all of them. I'm assuming that it means what it says, activating your AC at a time when it will not connect with your opponent. Can someone explain the functionality of whiffing your AC mid-combo? Is it acting as somewhat of a poor man's RC to extend your combo with moves that do not cancel into each other naturally?

 

It seems that the opponent would be able to block again after you whiff your AC, so I am a bit confused as to why you would want to do that.

[TeeJay]

I'm not well versed on Tager but I think it allows you to connect the followup when the opponent is magnetized. Since he's using his magnets or whatever to grab at the air, they'll kind of float-stagger allowing him to do a followup.

 

Actually what Dusk said.

[Rhiya]

Whiffing atomic collider pulls them back towards you, allowing you to continue your combo.

[shtkn]

example combo: http://youtu.be/sHSIvR33ddM?t=30m55s