electric field

noun

: a region associated with a distribution of electric charge or a varying magnetic field in which forces due to that charge or field act upon other electric charges

Examples of electric field in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The global electric field was marginally more successful than the local. IEEE Spectrum, 17 Oct. 2024 The reason is that it's actually made up of two waves—there's an electric field wave and a magnetic field wave. Rhett Allain, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024 Scientists think that gamma rays emerge in thunderstorms when electrons accelerate through strong electric fields in the clouds. Rudy Molinek, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Oct. 2024 Parasites, such as ticks and roundworms, hitch rides on electric fields generated by larger animal hosts. Max G. Levy, WIRED, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for electric field 

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electric field was in 1879

Dictionary Entries Near electric field

Cite this Entry

“Electric field.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electric%20field. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

electric field

noun
: a region associated with a distribution of electric charge or a varying magnetic field in which forces due to that charge or field act upon other electric charges

Medical Definition

electric field

noun
: a region associated with a distribution of electric charge or a varying magnetic field in which forces due to that charge or field act upon other electric charges

More from Merriam-Webster on electric field

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