electric

American  

[ih-lek-trik] / ɪˈlɛk trɪk /

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 British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ ĭ-lĕk′trĭk /

1. Relating to or operated by electricity.

2. Compare electronic

---

Other Word Forms

• nonelectric adjective
• preelectric adjective
• unelectric adjective

Etymology

Origin of electric

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

Example Sentences

A kid in an electric wheelchair zips between us, then a group of girls with linked arms.

From Literature

“Our platform of advanced solutions is well-positioned to serve the growing, long-cycle electric power market, and there is substantial opportunity to deliver even better performance ahead,” Chief Executive Scott Strazik said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Manholes can provide access to underground electric utility and telecommunications cables and wires.

From Los Angeles Times

Corporate filings show profits shrinking at companies in a wide range of industries, including steel, concrete, electric vehicles, robotics, condiments and cosmetics.

From The Wall Street Journal

A brutal cold spell has settled across much of the U.S., and it’s testing electric grids like never before.

From Barron's

Related Words

• magnetic