electricity

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The energy carried by the flow of electric charge, used to power lights, machines, and devices.

   Their new car runs entirely on electricity.

2. 2
   noun

   Electric power supplied to homes and businesses, usually paid for as a utility.

   Our electricity bill goes up every winter.

3. 3
   noun

   A strong feeling of excitement shared by a group of people.

   There was a real electricity in the crowd before the band came on stage.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Electricity, first recorded in 1646 in the writings of Sir Thomas Browne, was based like the slightly earlier electric on Latin electrum “amber.” The connection is that rubbed amber acquires an electric charge and attracts light objects.

From electric + -ity.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary