Definition

1. Noun:
   • A form of energy resulting from the existence of charged particles (such as electrons or protons), either statically as an accumulation of charge or dynamically as a current: This is the primary scientific meaning, referring to the physical phenomenon that powers modern technology.
   • A state of excitement, anticipation, or emotional tension that can be felt by a group of people: A figurative use describing a palpable, shared feeling in an atmosphere or situation.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Physical Energy):

  • The city's lights are powered by electricity.
  • Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity.
  • Always be careful when handling wires that carry electricity.

• Noun (Figurative Excitement):

  • There was electricity in the air before the championship game.
  • Her performance sent a jolt of electricity through the audience.

Advanced Usage

• "to conduct electricity": Refers to a material's ability to allow an electric current to flow through it.

  • Copper wires are used because they conduct electricity well.

• "static electricity": Refers to an imbalance of electric charges on the surface of an object, often causing small shocks.

  • You can get a shock from static electricity after walking on a carpet.

Variants and Related Words

• Electric (adj): Operated by or producing electricity; thrilling or exciting.

  • We need an electrician to fix the electric outlet.
  • The singer gave an electric performance.

• Electrical (adj): Related to or concerned with electricity.

  • He is studying electrical engineering.

• Electrify (verb): To charge with electricity; to thrill or excite intensely.

  • The company plans to electrify the railway line.
  • The speech electrified the crowd.

Synonyms

• Power: Energy used to operate machinery or devices (often synonymous in contexts like "electric power").
• Current: The flow of electric charge (a specific aspect of electricity).
• Energy: The capacity to do work (a broader category that includes electricity).
• Excitement: A state of being emotionally aroused (for the figurative sense).

Related Phrases

• Electric charge: The physical property of matter that causes it to experience a force within an electromagnetic field.
• Electric field: A region around a charged particle where a force would be exerted on other charged particles.
• Electric current: The rate of flow of electric charge past a point.

Idioms and Figurative Use

• "to feel the electricity": To sense a strong atmosphere of excitement or tension.
  • You could feel the electricity between the two debaters on stage.

Noun

1. keen and shared excitement
   • the stage crackled with electricity whenever she was on it
2. energy made available by the flow of electric charge through a conductor
   • they built a car that runs on electricity
3. a physical phenomenon associated with stationary or moving electrons and protons