static electricity

noun

, Electricity.

1. a stationary electric charge built up on an insulating material.

static electricity

1. Electric charge that has accumulated on an object. Static electricity is often created when two objects that are not good electrical conductors are rubbed together, and electrons from one of the objects rub off onto the other. This happens, for example, when combing one's hair or taking off a sweater. Sudden releases of built-up static electricity can take the form of an electric arc .
2. See Note at electric charge

static electricity

1. An electrical charge that accumulates on an object when it is rubbed against another object — for example, the spark that jumps from someone's hand to a doorknob after the person has walked across a rug.

Word History and Origins

Origin of static electricity¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

One type of noncontact sensor relies on static electricity to detect closeness and small motions, and has the potential to enhance smart devices, such as allowing phone screens to recognize more finger gestures.

From Science Daily

Many creatures can accumulate static electricity through friction as they move through their environment, even by flying through the air.

From Science Magazine

This material generates static electricity through friction between its material layers, producing effective electrical energy, and possesses an extremely low output impedence, facilitating efficient transmission of the generated electricity.

From Science Daily

There was no association between static electricity and the coffee's country of origin or processing method, but the researchers did find associations between electrification and water content, roast color, and particle size.

From Science Daily

A year after Joseph Henry presented her paper at AAAS, he presented another paper from Eunice about how air generated static electricity.

From Scientific American