electric
/ɪˈlɛktrɪk
/adjective
1Of, worked by, charged with, or producing electricity: an electric cooker...
- In fact, each ‘window’ is an array of photovoltaic cells that generate electric current when exposed to the light.
- The gravitomagnetic field is created by moving masses, much as magnetic fields are created by moving electric charges.
- We experience movement of charge in the electric current in wires.
Synonyms
generated by electricity, galvanic, voltaic
electric-powered, powered by electricity, electrically operated, electrically powered, mains-operated, battery-operated, electrically charged
1.1(Of a musical instrument) amplified through a loudspeaker: electric bass guitar...
- Becalmed sounds of electric piano, bass, acoustic guitars, and soft trumpet tones appear at a tempo that's so relaxed it's almost asleep.
- The song's detailed arrangement is fleshed out by electric piano, aquatic guitar lines, and exotic percussion.
- But it's important to remember that electric guitars and electric pianos were new at the time, and there were new recording techniques.
2Having or producing a sudden sense of thrilling excitement: the atmosphere was electric...
- The excitement was electric on that sunny evening as the students of Gallagher House got their spin in the 18 seater bus.
- The excitement was almost electric as Claude withdrew a beautiful antique pocket watch from his coat.
- Mark McColl, at 18, thrilled with electric bursts of pace.
Synonyms
tense, charged, electrifying;
exciting, dramatic, exhilarating, intoxicating, dynamic, thrilling, stimulating, galvanizing, invigorating, animating, energizing, rousing, stirring, heady, moving, jolting, shocking, startling, knife-edge, explosive, volatile, cliffhanging
informal buzzy
noun
1 (electrics) British The system of electric wiring and parts in a house or vehicle: there’s something wrong with the electrics...
- He said: ‘All the wiring, electrics, plumbing is already in.’
- They claimed they were carrying out electrical work in the area and needed to check the electrics in her house.
- Almost all the electrics in the house are controlled by computer.
2An electric train or other vehicle: diesels and electrics were included in the display of locomotives...
- I used an electric for years since I always had problems with blades especially on my neck.
- I will never, ever have an electric if I can avoid it.
- She traded it for my first electric - some sort of strat copy - and the assistant at the shop totally ripped her off.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from modern Latin electricus, from Latin electrum 'amber', from Greek ēlektron (because rubbing amber causes electrostatic phenomena).