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

It means sales of fully electric or hybrid vehicles made up more than half of all new car registrations in the UK last month.

From BBC

With electric air taxi services on the horizon, operators are already flying in to secure landing sites in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

He rides an electric scooter around the grounds of Windsor Castle, but still describes himself as "a late person".

From BBC

William arrived to meet the actor on an electric scooter that he said he used to get around the castle grounds.

From BBC

Tesla electric vehicle sales jumped last quarter, as buyers rushed to take advantage of an expiring federal tax credit.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• electrical 
• magnetic