electric
- 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.
- 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.
Origin of electric
Synonyms
See more synonyms for electric on Thesaurus.comAntonyms
Examples from the Web for electric
Contemporary Examples
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Electric Swamp Blues How can you possibly find authentic swamp blues in Portland, Oregon?
I was once rewarded for some help with a visit to it, and sat in the electric chair for a moment.
The problem starts in that instant of electric mistrust when the cop reaches for his gun, or employs a homicidal chokehold.
They pioneered arena performances and electric light, enabling the first night performances.
Historical Examples
He heard the hum and clang of an electric car off through a chestnut grove.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
Behind him, like an electric force pushing him on, the outlaws watched his steps.
Way of the LawlessMax Brand
Reassured, he drew out an electric torch and set it glowing.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
Among my other activities, I wired the parlor for electric light.
KMary Roberts Rinehart
A red mist spread between him and the line of electric lights.
KMary Roberts Rinehart
electric
- 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
- informal an electric train, car, etc
- British informal electricity or electrical power
- (plural) an electric circuit or electric appliances
Word Origin
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Word Origin and History for electric
adj.
1640s, first used in English by physician Sir Thomas Browne (1605-1682), apparently coined as Modern Latin electricus (literally "resembling amber") by English physicist William Gilbert (1540-1603) in treatise "De Magnete" (1600), from Latin electrum "amber," from Greek elektron "amber" (Homer, Hesiod, Herodotus), also "pale gold" (a compound of 1 part silver to 4 of gold); of unknown origin.
Originally the word described substances which, like amber, attract other substances when rubbed. Meaning "charged with electricity" is from 1670s; the physical force so called because it first was generated by rubbing amber. In many modern instances, the word is short for electrical. Figurative sense is attested by 1793. Electric toothbrush first recorded 1936; electric typewriter 1958.
electric
- Relating to or operated by electricity. Compare electronic.