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electricity

American  
[ih-lek-tris-i-tee, ee-lek-] / ɪ lɛkˈtrɪs ɪ ti, ˌi lɛk- /

noun

  1. electric charge.

  2. electric current.

  3. the science dealing with electric charges and currents.

  4. a state or feeling of excitement, anticipation, tension, etc.


electricity British  
/ ˌiːlɛk-, ɪlɛkˈtrɪsɪtɪ /

noun

  1. any phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons, ions, or other charged particles

  2. the science concerned with electricity

  3. an electric current or charge

    a motor powered by electricity

  4. emotional tension or excitement, esp between or among people

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

electricity Scientific  
/ ĭ-lĕk-trĭsĭ-tē /
  1. The collection of physical effects related to the force and motion of electrically charged particles, typically electrons, through or across matter and space.

  2. See also circuit conductor electric potential

  3. Electric current, or a source of electric current.

  4. A buildup of electric charge.

  5. See also static electricity


electricity Cultural  
  1. A flow of electrical charges, such as electrons, through a conductor.


Etymology

Origin of electricity

First recorded in 1640–50; electric + -ity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Did the apartment manager turn off our electricity?

From Literature

In her flat deprived of electricity, heating and hot water, the 91-year-old showed AFP how she gets through the day.

From Barron's

UPDATE: The electricity provider ESB said on Tuesday afternoon that about 5,500 homes, farms and businesses were without power, down from a peak of 30,000.

From BBC

The headline rate continues to be distorted by a surge in electricity price inflation, reflecting the phasing out of government energy rebates, the data showed.

From The Wall Street Journal

And he has authorized electricity grids to deploy backup generators at major sites like data centers.

From Barron's