electric field

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. a vector quantity from which is determined the magnitude and direction of the force electric force on a charged particle due to the presence of other charged particles, accelerated charged particles, or time-varying currents. E

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electric field British  

noun

1. a field of force surrounding a charged particle within which another charged particle experiences a force Compare magnetic field

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electric field Scientific  

1. The distribution in space of the strength and direction of forces that would be exerted on an electric charge at any point in that space. Electric fields themselves result directly from other electric charges or from changing magnetic fields. The strength of an electric field at a given point in space near an electrically charged object is proportional to the amount of charge on the object, and inversely proportional to the distance between the point and the object.

2. See also electromagnetism electrostatic force

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Etymology

Origin of electric field

First recorded in 1895–1900

Compare meaning

How does electric-field compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• electric field vs. electric potential

Example Sentences

Even a simple electric field changes the memory state of spacetime cells.

From Science Daily • Jun. 18, 2026

Rather than designing the detector and light-collection system separately, the team began with the metasurface itself and built the detection elements directly into regions where the electric field is strongest.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

"The light wave twists around its axis, and its phase changes in a spiral manner. Moreover, even the polarization -- the direction of oscillation of the electric field -- begins to rotate."

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2026

Rocket-induced lightning from an enhanced atmospheric electric field is also a major risk.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

"Some kind of electric field throws you back on the roof."

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins