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REFERENCE

electric

adj. · n.
US //ɪˈɫɛktɹɪk// UK //ɪlˈɛktɹɪk// elec·tric
  1. 1 powered by electricity (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    using or producing electricity to work.

    relating to, produced by, or operated by means of electricity.

    Example

    The city is encouraging people to buy electric cars to reduce pollution.

    Example

    The transition to electric heating systems in older buildings requires significant upgrades to the existing internal wiring and insulation.
    Pitfall
    I need an electrical toothbrush.
    I need an electric toothbrush.

    Use 'electric' for specific tools or machines that use electricity; use 'electrical' for general systems or people's jobs.

  2. 2 exciting (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    very exciting or full of energy.

    characterised by a high level of excitement, tension, or energy.

    Example

    The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as the game began.

    Example

    The performance was truly electric, leaving the audience in a state of stunned silence before they erupted into a standing ovation.
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  1. 3 musical instrument (adj.)
    A2 Elementary Music

    a musical instrument that uses an amplifier to make sound.

    denoting a version of a musical instrument that requires electronic amplification to be heard clearly.

    Example

    He decided to switch from the acoustic guitar to an electric one.

    Example

    The jazz fusion band featured an electric violin that allowed the soloist to compete with the volume of the drums and synthesizers.
  2. 4 the power supply (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English Informal

    the electricity used in a house or building.

    the supply of electricity to a property or the cost associated with its consumption.

    Example

    We need to pay the electric before they turn it off.

    Example

    After the storm damaged the main lines, the entire village was without electric for nearly forty-eight hours.

    Usage

    Usually used with the definite article 'the'.
Origin

First attested in c. 1646 in a publication by Thomas Browne. From New Latin ēlectricus (“electrical; of amber”), from ēlectr(um) (“amber”) + -icus (“adjectival suffix”); from Ancient Greek ἤλεκτρον (ḗlektron, “amber”); related to ἠλέκτωρ (ēléktōr, “shining sun”), of unknown origin (see which for more). The Latin term was apparently used first with the sense electrical in 1600 by the English physician and scientist William Gilbert in his work De Magnete.

Word family

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