electricity

noun

elec·​tric·​i·​ty i-ˌlek-ˈtri-sə-tē 

ē-,

-ˈtri-stē

plural electricities

1

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

2

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

3

: keen contagious excitement

could feel the electricity in the room

Example Sentences

The electricity went off during the storm.

an old building with no plumbing or electricity

You could feel the electricity in the room.

Recent Examples on the Web

India Some 350 villagers in the Himalayas have stable electricity, thanks to India’s first solar-hydro power system. —Ali Martin, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 May 2023

Moreover, electricity and internet cuts have significantly impeded communication. —Celine Alkhaldi, CNN, 17 May 2023

No one was hurt during the flooding, but the village was without electricity and water Monday and communication systems were limited, Zidek said. —Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News, 16 May 2023

As silicon crystal absorbs sunlight, electrons begin to flow through it—allowing solar panels to convert light into usable electricity. —Charles D. Brown Ii, Scientific American, 16 May 2023

Both ride on Hyundai's acclaimed E-GMP platform, with an available long-range battery pack that stores 77.4 kWh of electricity. —Dan Edmunds, Car and Driver, 13 May 2023

The Congress built its campaign by targeting Modi’s party over rising inflation, allegations of corruption and poor infrastructure development in the state, while promising electricity subsidies, rations to poor families, and financial assistance to unemployed graduates. —Sheikh Saaliq, BostonGlobe.com, 13 May 2023

Grill, smoke, air fry, and more with the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill, powered by electricity and flavored with real burning wood pellets. —Stephanie Mlot, PCMAG, 11 May 2023

Superheroes, Legos & Unicorns:What conventions are coming to Indianapolis this summer How much electricity do box fans use? —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 11 May 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing electricity

• static electricity

• static electricity

Kids Definition

electricity

noun

elec·​tric·​i·​ty i-ˌlek-ˈtris-ət-ē 

-ˈtris-tē

1

: a 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

2

: electric current

3

: great excitement

felt the electricity in the theater

Medical Definition

electricity

noun

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

plural electricities

1

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

2

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