electric
ih-LEK-trik
/ɪˈlɛktrɪk/
Powered by or producing electricity.
Refers directly to devices and vehicles operated by electrical current, or figuratively to an charged, exciting atmosphere.
The story behind the word. Ancient Greeks observed that rubbing amber ('ēlektron') with fur attracted lightweight objects like feathers. English physician William Gilbert coined 'electricus' in 1600 based on this amber phenomenon, establishing the root for our modern power word.
Word relationships
- motorized: Motorized can refer to gas engines or electric motors, whereas electric strictly specifies electrical power.
- powered: Powered is a generic term that requires specifying the energy source.
- manual: Manual vehicles rely strictly on human muscular strength without motor assistance.
Commonly confused with
- electrical: Electrical relates to the science, wiring, or theory of electricity, while electric describes things that directly use or generate power.
Word family
- electricity (noun): A form of energy resulting from charged particles.
- electrify (verb): To adapt a system to electrical power.
Collocations
- electric bike
- electric scooter
- electric motor
- electric charge
Idioms & expressions
- electric atmosphere
Example sentences
- "An electric bicycle allows riders to conquer steep hills without overexertion." Green Transportation Review
- "The city added hundreds of electric scooters to its shared transit fleet." Urban Transit Report
Memory hook
Rubbing AMBER (elektron) sparks ELECTRIC battery power! Battery-boosted movement.
When not to use
Avoid using when describing fields of study or abstract systems (use 'electrical' for electrical engineering).
Fun facts
- The world's first patent for an electric bicycle was granted in the United States back in 1895 to inventor Ogden Bolton Jr.
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