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static electricity
noun
: electricity that consists of isolated motionless charges (such as those produced by friction)
Examples of static electricity in a Sentence
In dry weather, static electricity can cause clothes to cling.
Recent Examples on the Web
The ash particles collide with each other and generate static electricity, which can produce lightning.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2024
The cool air in a freezer helps eliminate some of the static electricity that makes the plastic wrap stick to itself.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2024
The culprit is static electricity arising from the fracturing and friction between the beans during grinding.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 6 Dec. 2023
Researchers demonstrate how adding a splash of water reduces static electricity when grinding coffee.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 6 Dec. 2023
The broom’s patented blade material creates static electricity that attracts hair and fine dust like a magnet.
—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2024
The friction created by breaking up the beans generates static electricity that makes the coffee clump together and stick to the grinder.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Dec. 2023
There was no association between static electricity and where the country was grown or its processing method.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Dec. 2023
Solar storms and other space weather cause discharges of static electricity that can overwhelm satellites, which power GPS, and knock out power lines.
—Maddie Bender, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'static electricity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1838, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of static electricity was
in 1838
Dictionary Entries Near static electricity
Cite this Entry
“Static electricity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/static%20electricity. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
static electricity
noun
: electricity that consists of isolated stationary charges
More from Merriam-Webster on static electricity
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about static electricity
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