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 Word Forms

• 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

Göransson absorbed his dad’s passions and mutated them into a personal obsession with Metallica, an electric descendant of the blues, in the process becoming a guitar player proficient in everything from thrash metal to jazz.

From Los Angeles Times

"I was physically assaulted with an electric shock as well as being beaten. Now one of my fingers is heavily damaged by the electric shock. I lost my leg's strength, lost physical strength."

From BBC

Semiconductors are central to powering everything from washing machines to iPhones, and military jets to electric vehicles.

From BBC

People would need to be “bear aware” and potentially install electric fences, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

In the homeware section, firms displayed everything from washing machines to tumble dryers, electric toothbrushes to juicers and waffle makers.

From BBC

Related Words

• electrical
• magnetic