electric field
Americannoun
noun
-
The distribution in space of the strength and direction of forces that would be exerted on an electric charge at any point in that space. Electric fields themselves result directly from other electric charges or from changing magnetic fields. The strength of an electric field at a given point in space near an electrically charged object is proportional to the amount of charge on the object, and inversely proportional to the distance between the point and the object.
-
See also electromagnetism electrostatic force
Etymology
Origin of electric field
First recorded in 1895–1900
Compare meaning
How does electric-field compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The measurements showed that applying an electric field not only increased the speed of the phonons but also significantly extended how long they survived before scattering.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026
In the new study, the electric field reduced obstacles that normally interfere with phonon movement.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026
As the laser's electric field rotates, gas molecules align with it and begin spinning.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 4, 2026
Even a simple electric field changes the memory state of spacetime cells.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 18, 2026
Theory dictated that if the supposed disintegration were occurring within the nucleus’s electric field, the production of protons and neutrons would diminish as the targets got heavier.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
