Electricity Definition: Meaning, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：electrical power (electricity)

electricity 🔊

/ɪˌlekˈtrɪsɪti/

A type of energy that makes lights work, powers machines, and allows us to use electronic devices like phones and computers.

Glowing incandescent light bulb illustrating electricity power

electrical power 🔊

➕

/ɪˈlektrɪkəl ˈpaʊər/

A form of energy resulting from the flow of electric charge, used to power lights, machines, and electronic devices.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'electr-' (amber) + '-icity', referring to static electricity from rubbed amber.

💡 Mnemonic

Electric + city: imagine a city powered by electric lights and gadgets.

📖 Example

When I was writing at my desk last night, the electricity suddenly went out, leaving me in complete darkness. 🔊 When I was writing at my desk last night, the electricity suddenly went out, leaving me in complete darkness.

🔗 Collocations

generate electricity – produce electrical power

conserve electricity – use less electrical power to save energy

electricity bill – a monthly statement for electricity usage

🔄 Synonyms

power (n.) – electrical energy supplied to a device

current (n.) – flow of electric charge

energy (n.) – usable power from sources like electricity

🌱 Derivatives

electric (adj.) – relating to electricity

electrical (adj.) – concerned with or using electricity

electrify (v.) – charge with electricity; thrill

📖 Cultural Story

Coined by William Gilbert in 1600 from Greek 'ēlektron' (amber). Static electricity was first observed by rubbing amber, which attracted light objects.