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

But successful designs have only become possible in recent years as electric motors and high-performance batteries have advanced.

Read more on Barron's

There is an electric energy running through the black-and-white images.

Read more on BBC

The show has long leaned on California’s reputation as a climate leader to launch the latest in electric technology.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But Tesla is far from alone in struggling to sell electric pickups.

Read more on MarketWatch

Demand for copper, a conducting metal used in electrical wiring, has risen in recent years alongside the boom for wind turbines, electric vehicles and data centers for artificial intelligence.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• magnetic