electric

UK: /ɪˈlɛktrɪk/ US: /ɪˈlɛktrɪk/ ,(i lek′trik)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

e•lec•tric /ɪˈlɛktrɪk/   adj. 

1. Electricity produced by or operated by electricity:
   [before a noun] an electric shock;
   an electric shave;
   electric light.
2. thrilling;
   exciting:
   an electric atmosphere in the stadium.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

e•lec•tric  (i lek′trik), adj. 

1. Electricity pertaining to, derived from, produced by, or involving electricity:
   an electric shock.
2. Electricity producing, transmitting, or operated by electric currents:
   an electric bell; electric cord.
3. electrifying;
   thrilling;
   exciting;
   stirring:
   The atmosphere was electric with excitement.
4. Music and Dance (of a musical instrument)
   • producing sound by electrical or electronic means:
     an electric piano.
   • equipped with connections to an amplifier-loudspeaker system:
     an electric violin.

n. 

5. Rail Transport
   • an electric locomotive.
   • Informal Terms a railroad operated by electricity.
6. Electricity electricity:
   residential users of gas and electric.
7. Electricity something, as an appliance, vehicle, or toy, operated by electricity.
8. [Archaic.] a substance that is a nonconductor of electricity, as glass or amber, used to store or to excite an electric charge.

• Neo-Latin electricus, equivalent. to Latin ēlectr(um) amber (see electrum) + -icus -ic
• 1640–50

Synonyms

• 3. spirited, rousing, dynamic.

Antonyms

• 3. dull, uninspired, prosaic.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

electric / ɪˈlɛktrɪk/ adjective

1. of, derived from, produced by, producing, transmitting, or powered by electricity
2. (of a musical instrument) amplified electronically
3. very tense or exciting; emotionally charged

noun

1. an electric train, car, etc
2. (plural) an electric circuit or electric appliances

Etymology: 17th Century: from New Latin electricus amber-like (because friction causes amber to become charged), from Latin ēlectrum amber, from Greek ēlektron, of obscure originUSAGE
electronic