energy

[en-er-jee]

noun

plural

energies 

1. the capacity for vigorous activity; available power.

   I eat chocolate to get quick energy.

   Synonyms: potency, force, vigor

2. an adequate or abundant amount of such power.

   I seem to have no energy these days.

3. Often energies. a feeling of tension caused or seeming to be caused by an excess of such power.

   to work off one's energies at tennis.

4. an exertion of such power.

   She plays tennis with great energy.

5. the habit of vigorous activity; vigor as a characteristic.

   Foreigners both admire and laugh at American energy.

   Synonyms: push, zeal

6. the ability to act, lead others, effect, etc., forcefully.

7. forcefulness of expression.

   a writing style abounding with energy.

8. Physics.,  the capacity to do work; the property of a system that diminishes when the system does work on any other system, by an amount equal to the work so done; potential energy. E

9. any source of usable power, as fossil fuel, electricity, or solar radiation.

energy

/ ˈɛnədʒɪ /

noun

1. intensity or vitality of action or expression; forcefulness

2. capacity or tendency for intense activity; vigour

3. vigorous or intense action; exertion

4. physics

   1. the capacity of a body or system to do work

   2. E. a measure of this capacity, expressed as the work that it does in changing to some specified reference state. It is measured in joules (SI units)

5. a source of power See also kinetic energy potential energy

energy

1. The capacity or power to do work, such as the capacity to move an object (of a given mass) by the application of force. Energy can exist in a variety of forms, such as electrical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, or nuclear, and can be transformed from one form to another. It is measured by the amount of work done, usually in joules or watts.

2. See also conservation of energy kinetic energy potential energy Compare power work

Other Word Forms

• hyperenergy noun
• self-energy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of energy¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Late Latin energīa, from Greek enérgeia “activity,” equivalent to energe- (stem of energeîn “to be active”; en- ², work ) + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of energy¹

C16: from Late Latin energīa, from Greek energeia activity, from energos effective, from _en- ² + ergon work

Example Sentences

"It infuses energy, hope, strength on the Venezuelan people because we realise that we are not alone," she added.

Read more on BBC

A newer alternative relies on quantum dots—tiny semiconductor particles that transform electrical energy into colored light.

Read more on Science Daily

"This model allows us to program the shape we want to create, how stable it is, and how powerful it can be when stored potential energy is allowed to snap into kinetic energy," says Hong.

Read more on Science Daily

Immediately I was in a world of possibilities, flooded with boundless energy and no fears.

Read more on Salon

Your ability to make the case for Canadian energy while simultaneously explaining why most investors are too scared to touch it is exactly why I read your column.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• efficiency 
• intensity 
• power 
• spirit 
• stamina 
• strength 
• toughness 
• vitality 

When To Use

What is energy?

Energy refers to available power or motivation to move, as in Jada found that getting enough sleep each night gave her the energy to live each day.Energy also refers to power that is used with exertion or force, as in Monique brought energy to the team, leading them to win more games.In physics, energy is the power or heat that is created when something moves, is burned, or is exerted. It is typically represented in two forms: potential and kinetic energy. Potential energy is power that is stored in something as it sits still or is unburned. For example, coal contains a large amount of potential energy that is released when the coal is burned. As the coal burns, that potential energy becomes kinetic energy, energy related to the particles in the system.Energy is a common word with several other senses related to power or motivation.Example: Darryl found out the hard way that cell phone batteries lose their energy in the cold.