electric Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a car that is powered by electricity
    electric automobile; electric car.
  2. adjective using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
    electrical.
    • electric current
    • electric wiring
    • electrical appliances
    • an electrical storm
  3. adjective satellite (of a situation) exceptionally tense
    • an atmosphere electric with suspicion
  4. adjective satellite affected by emotion as if by electricity; thrilling
    galvanizing; galvanising; galvanic.
    • gave an electric reading of the play
    • the new leader had a galvanic effect on morale

WordNet

E*lec"tric, E*lec"tric*al adjective (Also<
  • Electric
  • Electrical
)
Etymology
L. electrum amber, a mixed metal, Gr. akin to the beaming sun, cf. Skr. arc to beam, shine: cf. F. électrique. The name came from the production of electricity by the friction of amber.
Definitions
  1. Pertaining to electricity; consisting of, containing, derived from, or produced by, electricity; as, electric power or virtue; an electric jar; electric effects; an electric spark.
  2. Capable of occasioning the phenomena of electricity; as, an electric or electrical machine or substance.
  3. Electrifying; thrilling; magnetic. "Electric Pindar." Mrs. Browning.
E*lec"tric noun
Definitions
  1. (Physics) A nonconductor of electricity, as amber, glass, resin, etc., employed to excite or accumulate electricity.

Webster 1913