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

If you have to evacuate, you should disconnect all electrical appliances or turn off electric circuits at the fuse box or circuit breaker panel.

From Los Angeles Times

Tesla is on track for another year where electric vehicle sales missed the mark.

From MarketWatch

The German supplier has announced thousands of job cuts in recent months, as Europe’s auto-parts makers grapple with a slower-than-expected shift into electric vehicles and intensifying competition from China.

From The Wall Street Journal

Locally pioneered electric cars zip past deserted apartment blocks.

From The Wall Street Journal

There is black mould on the walls while electric sockets hang loose with the wires exposed.

From BBC

Related Words

• magnetic