I. i-ˈlek-trik, ē- adjective
Etymology: New Latin electricus produced from amber by friction, electric, from Medieval Latin, of amber, from Latin electrum amber, electrum, from Greek ēlektron; akin to Greek ēlektōr beaming sun
Date: 1675
1. or elec·tri·cal -tri-kəl : of, relating to, or operated by electricity
an electric current
an electric heater
2. : exciting as if by electric shock
an electric performance
an electric personality
also : charged with strong emotion
the room was electric with tension
3.
a. : electronic 3a
b. : amplifying sound by electronic means — used of a musical instrument
an electric guitar
4. : very bright
electric blue
electric orange
• elec·tri·cal·ly -tri-k(ə-)lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 1646
1. archaic : a nonconductor of electricity used to excite or accumulate electricity
2. : something (as a light, automobile, or train) operated by electricity