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

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Compare meaning

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

• electric field vs. electric potential

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

electric field

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a semiconductor device that uses laser light to direct the movement of electrons without requiring an applied electric field or electrical power source.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 28, 2026

Published in PRX Energy, the study found that applying an electric field to a specialized ceramic changes the behavior of phonons, the tiny atomic vibrations responsible for carrying heat.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026

In the new study, the electric field reduced obstacles that normally interfere with phonon movement.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026

As a result, heat travels almost three times more efficiently along the direction of the electric field than it does in other directions.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026

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

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

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