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

Together, they spent three weeks traveling to Taiwan and across northern and southern Vietnam, where they met with government officials, toured electric car plants and solar panel facilities and rode high-speed railways.

From Los Angeles Times

"Do you sell cars?" was the response on X, from owner Elon Musk, who is also the boss of electric car firm Tesla.

From BBC

It is reckoned to produce at least three-quarters of the world’s lithium batteries and more than 60% of the global market for electric vehicles.

From BBC

To make the tradition more environmentally friendly, this year the tree is travelling to the capital by electric truck and a new tree has been planted in Oslo, to replace it.

From BBC

The vehicle was retrofitted from an existing Terberg electric tractor unit.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• electrical
• magnetic