electromotive force

noun

elec·​tro·​mo·​tive force i-ˌlek-trō-ˌmō-tiv- How to pronounce electromotive force (audio)
-trə-
: something that moves or tends to move electricity
especially : the apparent force that drives a current around an electrical circuit and that is equivalent to the potential difference between the terminals of the circuit

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electromotive force was in 1824

Dictionary Entries Near electromotive force

Cite this Entry

“Electromotive force.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electromotive%20force. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

electromotive force

noun
elec·​tro·​mo·​tive force i-ˌlek-trə-ˌmōt-iv- How to pronounce electromotive force (audio)
: the work per unit charge required to carry a positive charge around a closed circuit in an electric field
abbreviation emf

Medical Definition

electromotive force

noun
elec·​tro·​mo·​tive force i-ˌlek-trō-ˌmōt-iv-, -trə- How to pronounce electromotive force (audio)
: something that moves or tends to move electricity : the potential difference derived from an electrical source (as a cell or generator) per unit quantity of electricity passing through the source

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