electric field

noun

, Electricity.

1. a vector quantity from which is determined the magnitude and direction of the force electric force on a charged particle due to the presence of other charged particles, accelerated charged particles, or time-varying currents. : E

electric field

noun

1. a field of force surrounding a charged particle within which another charged particle experiences a force Compare magnetic field

electric field

1. The distribution in space of the strength and direction of forces that would be exerted on an electric charge at any point in that space. Electric fields themselves result directly from other electric charges or from changing magnetic fields. The strength of an electric field at a given point in space near an electrically charged object is proportional to the amount of charge on the object, and inversely proportional to the distance between the point and the object.
2. See also electromagnetism

Word History and Origins

Origin of electric field¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

These devices can take many forms, such as a collection of superconducting circuits, or a lattice of atoms or ions held in place by lasers or electric fields.

From Science Daily

Unlike electrons, ions move due to both electric fields and diffusion, and the researchers determined that their movements at pore intersections are different from what was described in Kirchhoff's law.

From Science Daily

Caterpillars respond defensively to electric fields similar to those emitted by their natural predators, scientists at the University of Bristol have found.

From Science Daily

This property is polarization, the direction -- left or right -- that electric fields take as they move around a photon.

From Science Daily

According to current industry standards, a material is considered to have very good electromechanical performance if it can undergo a 1% change in shape -- or strain -- in response to an electric field.

From Science Daily