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

These parameters determine how tightly the electric field is confined and how much photocurrent is ultimately produced.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2026

These interaction changes carry information about both the strength and direction of the electric field and are reflected in the system's overall dynamics.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2026

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

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins