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
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The fluctuations in our planet's magnetic field during a geomagnetic storm create electric fields on the Earth's surface. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025 This separation of the positive and negative charge makes Rydberg atoms especially sensitive to electric fields. Shalma Wegsman, Wired News, 25 May 2025 The researchers observed the TGF right before the two discharge paths converged and created a highly concentrated electric field that the researchers say accelerated the electrons shooting through the air to near light speed. Julian Dossett, Space.com, 23 May 2025 This alternating electric field produces what are called dielectrophoretic forces, which are essentially a non-uniform electric field creating a traveling wave that pushes dust across the surface. David Szondy, New Atlas, 1 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Electric field.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electric%20field. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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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