electric

[ih-lek-trik]

adjective

1. pertaining to, derived from, produced by, or involving electricity.

   an electric shock.

2. producing, transmitting, or operated by electric currents.

   an electric bell;

   electric cord.

3. electrifying; thrilling; exciting; stirring.

   The atmosphere was electric with excitement.

   Synonyms: dynamic, rousing, spirited
   Antonyms: prosaic, uninspired, dull

4. (of a musical instrument)

   1. producing sound by electrical or electronic means.

      an electric piano.

   2. equipped with connections to an amplifier-loudspeaker system.

      an electric violin.

noun

1. Railroads.

   1. an electric locomotive.

   2. Informal.,  a railroad operated by electricity.

2. electricity.

   residential users of gas and electric.

3. something, as an appliance, vehicle, or toy, operated by electricity.

4. Archaic.,  a substance that is a nonconductor of electricity, as glass or amber, used to store or to excite an electric charge.

electric

/ ɪˈlɛktrɪk /

adjective

1. of, derived from, produced by, producing, transmitting, or powered by electricity

   electric current

   an electric cord

   an electric blanket

   an electric fence

   an electric fire

2. (of a musical instrument) amplified electronically

   an electric guitar

   an electric mandolin

3. very tense or exciting; emotionally charged

   an electric atmosphere

noun

1. informal,  an electric train, car, etc

2. informal,  electricity or electrical power

3. (plural) an electric circuit or electric appliances

electric

1. Relating to or operated by electricity.

2. Compare electronic

Other Word Forms

• nonelectric adjective
• preelectric adjective
• unelectric adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of electric¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from New Latin electricus, from Latin ēlectr(um) “amber” ( electrum ) + -icus -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of electric¹

C17: from New Latin electricus amber-like (because friction causes amber to become charged), from Latin ēlectrum amber, from Greek ēlektron, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Part of the challenge in making electric vehicles more affordable is that drivers want cars and trucks with a longer battery life, which requires bigger and more costly batteries.

Read more on MarketWatch

He helped turn Fiat’s modern 500 into a cultural icon, carved out Seat’s sporty Cupra line, and refocused Renault by slimming its model range and boosting profitability in hybrids and electric vehicles.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The electric pump hums as it sends water gushing into a canal, forming a stream in the desert.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

However, the plan was recently shelved, with the electric model now not expected before 2035.

Read more on BBC

Tesla’s board said the record-setting pay package—a series of stock awards tied to ambitious targets—was designed to keep Musk’s attention on the electric vehicle maker.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• electrical 
• magnetic