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 cord

   an electric blanket

   an electric fence

   an electric fire

2. (of a musical instrument) amplified electronically

   an electric guitar

   an electric mandolin

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

1. Relating to or operated by electricity.

2. Compare electronic

Other Word Forms

• nonelectric adjective
• preelectric adjective
• unelectric 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

The 3,000-acre site, which was built by the Korean automobile manufacturer to make electric vehicles, had been operational for a year.

From BBC

The court documents say several electric meters were ripped from homes and replaced with new meters that charged much higher prices, according to the lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times

Steelmaking in the US is already greener than in many countries, thanks to the popularity of electric arc furnaces there.

From BBC

To ensure there’s never a speck of dust on the floor, Herbert and his crew use electric leaf blowers each day to clean the massive space.

From Los Angeles Times

State officials say damage claims from the Eaton fire could wipe out a $21 billion fund California created to shield utilities from the cost of blazes sparked by their electric lines.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• electrical 
• magnetic