electromotive force

American  

noun

Electricity.

1. the energy available for conversion from nonelectric to electric form, or vice versa, per unit of charge passing through the source of the energy; the potential difference between the terminals of a source of electrical energy: expressed in volts. emf, EMF, E.M.F., e.m.f.

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electromotive force British  

noun

1. physics

   1. a source of energy that can cause a current to flow in an electrical circuit or device

   2.  E.  Abbreviation: emf.   EMF.  the rate at which energy is drawn from this source when unit current flows through the circuit or device, measured in volts Compare potential difference

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electromotive force Scientific  

1. Electric potential or voltage. Electromotive force is not really a force, but a measure of how much work would be done by moving an electric charge.

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Etymology

Origin of electromotive force

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

As long as all the grid-connected generators are balanced with the power demand on the grid, the torque applied by the turbine is precisely balanced by the electromotive force in the coils.

From Forbes

He went on to show that the total heat produced in any voltaic circuit was proportional to the electromotive force E of the battery and to the number of equivalents electrolysed in it.

From Project Gutenberg

The temperature of maximum electromotive force was found to be independent of the temperature of the colder junction.

From Project Gutenberg

When the arc is lengthened, the electromotive force rises in proportion and the arc appears to be more persistent.

From Project Gutenberg

Whatever sets up the electric disturbance, whether it be the action of sulphuric acid on zinc, or caustic potash on iron, etc., is called electromotive force, generally abbreviated E.M.F.

From Project Gutenberg