electric

[ ih-lek-trik ]

/ ɪˈlɛk trɪk /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR electric ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

pertaining to, derived from, produced by, or involving electricity: an electric shock.

producing, transmitting, or operated by electric currents: an electric bell; electric cord.

electrifying; thrilling; exciting; stirring: The atmosphere was electric with excitement.

(of a musical instrument)

producing sound by electrical or electronic means: an electric piano.
equipped with connections to an amplifier-loudspeaker system: an electric violin.

noun

Railroads.

an electric locomotive.
Informal. a railroad operated by electricity.

electricity: residential users of gas and electric.

something, as an appliance, vehicle, or toy, operated by electricity.

Archaic. a substance that is a nonconductor of electricity, as glass or amber, used to store or to excite an electric charge.

Nearby words

electra, electra complex, electra paradox, electress, electret, electric, electric arc, electric arc welding, electric blanket, electric blue, electric catfish

Origin of electric

1640–50; < New Latin electricus, equivalent to Latin ēlectr(um) amber (see electrum) + -icus -ic

SYNONYMS FOR electric

3 spirited, rousing, dynamic.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR electric ON THESAURUS.COM

ANTONYMS FOR electric

3 dull, uninspired, prosaic.

SEE MORE ANTONYMS FOR electric ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

non·e·lec·tric, adjective, nounpre·e·lec·tric, adjectiveun·e·lec·tric, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for electric

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Make ‘The Chew’s’ Carla Hall’s Sticky Toffee Pudding|Carla Hall|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Electric Swamp Blues How can you possibly find authentic swamp blues in Portland, Oregon?
The Best Albums of 2014|Ted Gioia|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I was once rewarded for some help with a visit to it, and sat in the electric chair for a moment.
A Million Ways to Die in Prison|Daniel Genis|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The problem starts in that instant of electric mistrust when the cop reaches for his gun, or employs a homicidal chokehold.
The Only Way to End Police Violence|Michael Tomasky|December 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST

They pioneered arena performances and electric light, enabling the first night performances.
We’re All Carnies Now: Why We Can’t Quit the Circus|Anthony Paletta|November 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Under such conditions the electric lamp need fear no competitor.
The Romance of Modern Invention|Archibald Williams
Then, out into view beneath me, was thrust a slim ivory hand which held an electric pocket lamp.
Tales of Secret Egypt|Sax Rohmer
The cloud of blessing floats over our heads, but we fail to stretch forth the electric rod of prayer to fetch it down!
The Hart and the Water-Brooks;|John R. Macduff
The portions open to the public are now lighted by electric lamps.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 2|Various
The lens is surrounded by a metal case or lantern, in which is placed the electric lamp upon a slide for focussing.
Torpedoes and Torpedo Warfare|C. W. Sleeman

British Dictionary definitions for electric

electric

/ (ɪˈlɛktrɪk) /

adjective

of, derived from, produced by, producing, transmitting, or powered by electricityelectric current; an electric cord; an electric blanket; an electric fence; an electric fire

(of a musical instrument) amplified electronicallyan electric guitar; an electric mandolin

very tense or exciting; emotionally chargedan electric atmosphere

noun

informal an electric train, car, etc

British informal electricity or electrical power

(plural) an electric circuit or electric appliances

Word Origin for electric

C17: from New Latin electricus amber-like (because friction causes amber to become charged), from Latin ēlectrum amber, from Greek ēlektron, of obscure origin

xref

See electronic

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

Science definitions for electric

electric

[ ĭ-lĕk′trĭk ]

Relating to or operated by electricity. Compare electronic.

electric

adjective

noun

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of electric

SYNONYMS FOR electric

ANTONYMS FOR electric

Related forms

Examples from the Web for electric

British Dictionary definitions for electric

electric

adjective

noun

Word Origin for electric

xref

Science definitions for electric

electric