electric

[ ih-lek-trik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, derived from, produced by, or involving electricity:

   an electric shock.

2. producing, transmitting, or operated by electric currents:

   an electric bell;

   electric cord.

3. electrifying; thrilling; exciting; stirring:

   The atmosphere was electric with excitement.

   Synonyms: dynamic, rousing, spirited

   Antonyms: prosaic, uninspired, dull

4. (of a musical instrument)
   1. producing sound by electrical or electronic means:

      an electric piano.

   2. equipped with connections to an amplifier-loudspeaker system:

      an electric violin.

noun

1. Railroads.
   1. an electric locomotive.
   2. Informal. a railroad operated by electricity.
2. electricity:

   residential users of gas and electric.

3. something, as an appliance, vehicle, or toy, operated by electricity.
4. Archaic. a substance that is a nonconductor of electricity, as glass or amber, used to store or to excite an electric charge.

electric

/ ɪˈlɛktrɪk /

adjective

1. of, derived from, produced by, producing, transmitting, or powered by electricity

   electric current

   an electric fence

   an electric blanket

   an electric fire

   an electric cord

2. (of a musical instrument) amplified electronically

   an electric mandolin

   an electric guitar

3. very tense or exciting; emotionally charged

   an electric atmosphere

noun

1. informal.
   an electric train, car, etc
2. informal.
   electricity or electrical power
3. plural an electric circuit or electric appliances

electric

/ ĭ-lĕk′trĭk /

1. Relating to or operated by electricity.
2. Compare electronic

Usage

See electronic

Other Words From

• none·lectric adjective noun
• pree·lectric adjective
• une·lectric adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of electric¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from New Latin electricus, from Latin ēlectr(um) “amber” ( electrum ) + -icus -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of electric¹

C17: from New Latin electricus amber-like (because friction causes amber to become charged), from Latin ēlectrum amber, from Greek ēlektron, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

One of the innovations at this year's Paris Olympics was supposed to be an electric flying taxi service.

From BBC

Lilium's aircraft uses 30 electric jets that can be tilted in unison to swing between vertical lift and forward flight.

From BBC

In May one of its key partners, the engineering giant Rolls Royce pulled out of a deal to supply electric motors for the aircraft.

From BBC

Given all the uncertainty and expense, you might wonder why investors put money into new electric aircraft in the first place.

From BBC

"It was an electric night," said Andres White Correal, a jewellery specialist from Sotheby's, adding the unnamed female buyer was "ecstatic".

From BBC

Related Words

• electrical
• magnetic