electric
elec·tric [electric electrics] adjective, noun BrE [ɪˈlektrɪk] NAmE [ɪˈlektrɪk]
adjective
1. usually before noun connected with electricity; using, produced by or producing electricity
•an electric motor
•an electric light/guitar, etc.
•an electric current/charge
•an electric generator
•an electric plug/socket/switch (= that carries electricity)
see also ↑electric shock, ↑electrical storm
2. full of excitement; making people excited
Syn: ↑electrifying
•The atmosphere was electric.
•The news had an electric effect on the waiting crowd.
Word Origin:
mid 17th cent.: from modern Latin electricus, from Latin electrum ‘amber’, from Greek ēlektron (because rubbing amber causes electrostatic phenomena).
Synonyms:
electric / electrical
These adjectives are frequently used with the following nouns:
Electric is usually used to describe something that uses or produces electricity. You use electrical with more general nouns such as equipment and wiring and things that are concerned with electricity: ▪ an electrical fault. However, the distinction is not always so clear now: ▪ an electric/electrical company ◇ ▪ an electric/electrical current ◇ ▪ an electric/electrical shock.
noun uncountable (informal)used to refer to the supply of electricity to a building
• The electric will be off tomorrow.
• I've paid the electric (= the bill for the supply of electricity).
Word Origin:
mid 17th cent.: from modern Latin electricus, from Latin electrum ‘amber’, from Greek ēlektron (because rubbing amber causes electrostatic phenomena).
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