electric field

noun

, Electricity.

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

electric field

noun

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

electric field

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of electric field¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The lines of electric force will thus completely represent the electric field.

From Project Gutenberg

It is very convenient to represent an electric field by means of what are called lines of electric force.

From Project Gutenberg

These rays are not all identical and do not behave in the same way under the action of an electric field and a magnetic field.

From Project Gutenberg

When placed in an electric field the tissue paper "detector" places itself parallel to the lines of force.

From Project Gutenberg

Let any line drawn in an electric field be divided up into small elements of length.

From Project Gutenberg