Dictionary.com

electric

[ ih-lek-trik ]
/ ɪˈlɛk trɪk /
Save This Word!

adjective
noun
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of electric

1640–50; <New Latin electricus, equivalent to Latin ēlectr(um) amber (see electrum) + -icus-ic

OTHER WORDS FROM electric

non·e·lec·tric, adjective, nounpre·e·lec·tric, adjectiveun·e·lec·tric, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use electric in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for electric

electric
/ (ɪˈlɛktrɪk) /

adjective
of, derived from, produced by, producing, transmitting, or powered by electricityelectric current; an electric cord; an electric blanket; an electric fence; an electric fire
(of a musical instrument) amplified electronicallyan electric guitar; an electric mandolin
very tense or exciting; emotionally chargedan electric atmosphere
noun
informal an electric train, car, etc
British informal electricity or electrical power
(plural) an electric circuit or electric appliances

Word Origin for electric

C17: from New Latin electricus amber-like (because friction causes amber to become charged), from Latin ēlectrum amber, from Greek ēlektron, of obscure origin

undefined electric

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for electric

electric
[ ĭ-lĕktrĭk ]

Relating to or operated by electricity. Compare electronic.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
FEEDBACK