Definition of "electricity" in English

noun

1. 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.

   • For, reſtoring the equilibrium in the bottle does not at all affect the Electricity in the man thro’ whom the fire paſſes ; that Electricity is neither increaſed nor diminiſhed.

2. (physics) The study of electrical phenomena; the branch of science dealing with such phenomena.

   • He took up the job of studying electricity in college.

3. A feeling of excitement; a thrill.

   • Opening night for the new production had an electricity unlike other openings.

4. Electrical power, as supplied by power stations or generators.

   • This heater draws more than a thousand watts of electricity.

5. Electrical energy, as supplied by power stations or generators.

   • Last year this portion of the grid consumed more than a thousand megawatt-hours of electricity.

6. (business, often attributive) The supply of electricity, as a utility.

   • Electricity bosses set to make record profits.