electricity

== English == === Etymology === From electric + -ity. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˌiːlɛkˈtɹɪsɪti/, /ɪˌlɛkˈtɹɪsɪti/, /ˌɛlɪkˈtɹɪsɪti/, /əˌlɛkˈtɹɪs(ə)ti/ (US) IPA(key): /ɪˌlɛkˈtɹɪsɪti/, [ɪˌlɛkˈtɹɪsɪɾi], [ɪˌlɛkˈt͡ʃɹɪsɪɾi], /iˌlɛkˈtɹɪsɪti/, [iˌlɛkˈtɹɪsɪɾi], /əˌlɛkˈtɹɪsɪti/, [əˌlɛkˈtɹɪsəɾi] Rhymes: -ɪsɪti === Noun === electricity (usually uncountable, plural electricities) Originally, a property of amber and certain other nonconducting substances to attract lightweight material when rubbed, or the cause of this property; now understood to be a phenomenon caused by the distribution and movement of charged subatomic particles and their interaction with the electromagnetic field. [from 17th c.] 1747 July 28, Benjamin Franklin, letter to Peter Collinson, collected in New Experiments and Observations on Electricity, part I, 3rd edition, London: D. Henry and R. Cape, published 1760, page 8: For, reſtoring the equilibrium in the bottle does not at all affect the Electricity in the man thro’ whom the fire paſſes ; that Electricity is neither increaſed nor diminiſhed. (physics) The study of electrical phenomena; the branch of science dealing with such phenomena. [from 18th c.] A feeling of excitement; a thrill. [from 18th c.] Electrical power, as supplied by power stations or generators. [from 19th c.] Electrical energy, as supplied by power stations or generators. (business, often attributive) The supply of electricity, as a utility. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== alternating current (AC) circuit current direct current (DC) earth electric circuit electric current energy hydro power vacuum vending machines ==== See also ==== electric electron === References === Equivalent text in Pseudodoxia Epidemica, 6th edition (1672), p. 53 de V. Heathcote, Niels H. (December 1967), “The early meaning of electricity: Some Pseudodoxia Epidemica - I”, in Annals of Science, volume 23, number 4, →DOI, →ISSN, WD Q54266797, pages 261–275