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.

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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

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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

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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

Five years later, that million-square-foot plant is mostly empty and losing money, a casualty of America’s messy breakup with electric vehicles.

From The Wall Street Journal

"With the cost of living, the price of food, petrol, gas and electric. It's dire. There's no money left."

From BBC

It applies to all fuel types, including electric vehicles which lost their tax-free status last year.

From BBC

Airo Group is exiting its electric air taxi business, a move an analyst believes makes it a “pure play drone exposure” company.

From Barron's

“And, importantly, electric vehicle sales still very much matter to Tesla’s earnings; they accounted for the vast majority of 2025 company revenue.”

From Barron's

Related Words

• magnetic