electricity Hear it!

electricity Definition

elec·tric·ity (ē′lek tris′i tē; ē lek′-, i-)

noun

  1. a property of certain fundamental particles of all matter, as electrons (negative charges) and protons or positrons (positive charges) that have a force field associated with them and that can be separated by the expenditure of energy: electrical charge can be generated by friction, induction, or chemical change and is manifested by an accumulation of electrons on an atom or body, constituting a negative charge, and a loss of electrons, constituting a corresponding positive charge
    1. an electric current
    2. an electric charge
  3. the branch of physics dealing with electricity
  4. electric current supplied as a public utility for lighting, heating, etc.
  5. strong emotional tension, excitement, etc.

Etymology: see electric

electricity Synonyms

electricity

n.

  1. Electricity as a public utility

    power, current, service, heat, light, ignition, spark, charge, utilities, public utilities, alternating current, A.C., direct current., D.C., voltage., 110 volts, 220 volts, high voltage., high tension., kilowatts, kilowatt hours, kilocycles, megacycles, amperage., live wire., juice*, hot stuff*, megs*, kilos*, amps*. *

  2. Electricity as a form of matter

    magnetism, electromagnetism, radioactivity, electron, neutron, proton, positron, dynatron, heavy electron.

    Kinds of electricity include: static, statical, electrostatic, dynamic, dynamical, current, positive, negative, natural, celestial, induced.

electricity Telecom Definition

From the Greek elektor, meaning shining or the sun. A fundamental form of energy created by the movement of electrons (negative charges), protons, or positrons (positive charges) and generating current. See also current.

electricity Usage Examples

Preposition: from

renewables: The current target is to source 10 % of the UK's electricity from renewables by the end of 2010.

Converse of object

  • generate: In the UK, its power stations generate enough electricity to power homes of around eight million people.
  • consume: Network users, such as generation companies, large industrial customers and suppliers, actually generate and consume the electricity carried by the network.
  • produce: I'll make sure we produce more electricity in an environmentally friendly way too.
  • conduct: Two problems: Pure water doesn't conduct electricity.
  • distribute: Notes to editors EDF Energy distributes electricity to 7.8 million homes and businesses across London, the East of England and the South East.

Adjective modifier

  • renewable: Good Energy is the leading company in Britain to supply only 100 % renewable electricity.
  • static: Static Terminators We help our clients protect their people and equipment by eliminating 95 % of the harmful static electricity in their workplace.
  • off-peak: Projects that save cheap off-peak electricity by insulating electrically heated homes are normally the most cost-effective at saving energy.
  • hydro: This was the first electric tramway in the world to be powered by hydro electricity.
  • three-phase: Where no three-phase electricity is available and single-phase motors are unsuitable, a single to three-phase converter may be the only answer.
  • solar: Renewable energy features include: solar electricity, biomass boiler supplied by wood coppiced on site, rainwater collection.

Modifies a noun

  • pylon: The site of lock two is in the field across the brook from the electricity pylon.
  • watchdog: Notes to Editors: energywatch is the independent gas and electricity consumer watchdog.
  • supplier: They teamed up with electricity supplier npower to make the ' Juice ' scheme.
  • generation: Wind is a clean form of electricity generation, it requires no fuel at all.
  • generating: The building originally opened in 1896 as an electricity generating station and in 1994 after considerable renovation became the home of The Circus Space.
  • bill: What you pay for in electricity bills is ENERGY.

Noun used with modifier

  • surplus: When there is more wind power than we need, the surplus electricity may be used to generate hydrogen which is stored.
  • volt: ELECTRICITY 220 volt electricity with standard European round pin electricity plugs.