electricity

noun elec·tric·i·ty \i-ˌlek-ˈtri-sə-tē, ē-ˌ, -ˈtris-tē\

: a form of energy that is carried through wires and is used to operate machines, lights, etc.

: electric current or power

: a feeling of excitement or tension

plural elec·tric·i·ties

Full Definition of ELECTRICITY

a : a fundamental form of energy observable in positive and negative forms that occurs naturally (as in lightning) or is produced (as in a generator) and that is expressed in terms of the movement and interaction of electrons

b : electric current or power

: a science that deals with the phenomena and laws of electricity

: keen contagious excitement <could feel the electricity in the room>

See electricity defined for English-language learners

See electricity defined for kids

First Known Use of ELECTRICITY

1646

Other Electrical Engineering Terms

feedback, fuse, incandescent, noise, resonance

Rhymes with ELECTRICITY

authenticity, catholicity, domesticity, eccentricity, elasticity, historicity, multiplicity, specificity, synchronicity

ELECTRICITY Defined for Kids

electricity

noun elec·tric·i·ty \i-ˌlek-ˈtri-sə-tē\

Definition of ELECTRICITY for Kids

: an important form of energy that is found in nature but that can be artificially produced by rubbing together two unlike things (as glass and silk), by the action of chemicals, or by means of a generator

: electric current

Medical Dictionary

electricity

noun elec·tric·i·ty \i-ˌlek-ˈtris-ət-ē, -ˈtris-tē\

plural elec·tric·i·ties

Medical Definition of ELECTRICITY

a : a fundamental entity of nature consisting of negative and positive kinds, observable in the attractions and repulsions of bodies electrified by friction and in natural phenomena (as lightning or the aurora borealis), and usually utilized in the form of electric currents b : electric current or power

: a science that deals with the phenomena and laws of electricity