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

Computer models have long suggested that when an electric field is applied to relaxor ferroelectrics, interactions between positively and negatively charged atoms within tiny regions help create their strong energy storage and sensing abilities.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

Scientists have suspected for more than 70 years that forests might produce these effects during storms due to unusual electric field activity, but direct evidence in nature had remained elusive.

From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026

When an electric field is applied, it changes the orientation of each atom's quantization axis.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 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