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electric

electric [ i léktrik ]

adjective

Definition:

1. involving or caused by electricity: relating to, involving, or caused by electricity

electric power

2. for electricity: carrying or conveying electricity

electric cables

3. using electricity: powered or operated by electricity

an electric guitar

electric vehicles

4. tense or excited: full of tension or excitement and anticipation

an electric atmosphere

5. bright: extremely bright in colour

electric orange

noun (plural electrics)

Definition:

1. electricity: electricity, or the electricity supply, e.g. to a house ( informal )

2. something operated by electricity: a vehicle, machine, or other device that is powered by electricity

plural noun electrics

Definition:

electrical equipment or parts: the parts of a device or system that are operated by, carry, or generate electricity, or electrically powered equipment

[Mid-17th century. < modern Latin electricus< electrum 'amber' < Greek ēlektron]

Word Usage


	electric or electrical? Electric is more commonly used to describe a device that works by electricity or is involved in producing or carrying electricity: an electric oven; an electric socket.Electrical is applied to more general things and to areas of study or activity that are concerned with electricity: electrical appliances; electrical engineering.Electric is usual in the figurative meaning 'tense or excited': The atmosphere at the meeting was electric.

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