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

Among the issues they face are high energy costs, weaker than expected demand for electric cars and growing competition from Chinese manufacturers.

From BBC

He said he knew the famous theme tune had captured the essence of 007 after switching the main riff from a sitar to an electric guitar.

From BBC

The British vehicle maker, owned by Tata Motors, will launch three new electric cars in 2026, having taken new cars off sale more than a year ago to focus on reinventing the brand.

From BBC

In other regions, electric cars have typically been more expensive, but are generally getting cheaper.

From BBC

He said there was exposed electrical wiring in the living room, which could have caused a serious electric shock if touched, and that there were alterations in other areas of the house too.

From BBC

Related Words

• electrical
• magnetic