electricity
/ˌiːlɛkˈtɹɪsɪti/
electricity means originally, a property of amber and certain other nonconducting substances to attract lightweight material when rubbed, or the cause of this property; now understood to be a phenomenon caused by the distribution and movement of charged subatomic particles and their interaction with the electromagnetic field. It carries an Arena rating of 1414, earned across 7 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, electricity ranks #636 of 17,052 for Words That Escaped Their Books, #2,505 of 17,052 for Most Ponderous Words, #2,620 of 17,052 for Best Fossil-Poetry Words, #3,104 of 17,052 for Most Ingenious Words.
electricity is pronounced /ˌiːlɛkˈtɹɪsɪti/.
Why “electricity” is a great word
A fundamental form of energy resulting from the existence and interaction of charged particles, observable in phenomena like lightning and electric current. From Neo-Latin electricitas, from Latin electricus ("of amber" or "like amber"), from Greek ēlektron ("amber"); the term was used in English by Sir Thomas Browne in 1646 and popularized by William Gilbert. Unlike "magnetism," which names a specific force of attraction or repulsion, or the broad, general term "energy," electricity is a singular, vibrant manifestation of that universal capacity. It is the blue-white fork splitting the summer sky, the intimate sting of a doorknob in December, and the hidden, instantaneous pulse along a copper nerve—an ancient spark named for fossilized resin, now the universe's own nervous system, forever seeking ground.
noun
- Originally, a property of amber and certain other nonconducting substances to attract lightweight material when rubbed, or the cause of this property; now understood to be a phenomenon caused by the distribution and movement of charged subatomic particles and their interaction with the electromagnetic field.
- The study of electrical phenomena; the branch of science dealing with such phenomena.e.g.“He took up the job of studying electricity in college.”
- A feeling of excitement; a thrill.e.g.“Opening night for the new production had an electricity unlike other openings.”
- Electrical power, as supplied by power stations or generators.e.g.“This heater draws more than a thousand watts of electricity.”
- Electrical energy, as supplied by power stations or generators.e.g.“Last year this portion of the grid consumed more than a thousand megawatt-hours of electricity.”
- The supply of electricity, as a utility.e.g.“Electricity bosses set to make record profits.”
Words closest in meaning
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