electricity

The word “electricity” means a form of energy caused by the movement of charged particles, used to power lights, appliances, and machines. In plain terms, the power that runs lights and appliances, or figuratively, a thrilling sense of tension.

“Electricity” is pronounced ee-lehk-TRIH-sih-tee (/ɪˌlɛkˈtɹɪsɪti/ in IPA).

Here is “electricity” used in a sentence: “The storm knocked out electricity across the whole town.”

“Electricity” is a noun.

The word “electricity” comes from Greek. Formed from electric plus the suffix -ity; ultimately traces to Greek ēlektron, "amber," since static electricity was first observed by rubbing amber.

“Electricity” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Electricity” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a form of energy caused by the movement of charged particles, used to power lights, appliances, and machines.

Electricity is often divided into two kinds. Static electricity is a build-up of charge that stays in one place, like the shock you feel after touching metal. Current electricity is charge that flows steadily through a wire or circuit, and it is the form used to power homes, appliances, and machines.

Most electricity is produced by spinning turbines that drive generators. The turbines can be turned by steam from burning fuel or nuclear heat, or by wind, flowing water, and other sources. Solar panels work differently, converting sunlight directly into electricity without any moving parts.

Electricity is the flow of charged particles — the energy itself. Power measures how quickly that energy is used or delivered, measured in watts. So electricity is what runs through the wires, while power describes the rate at which it does work, such as lighting a bulb.

Yes, though not always easily. Batteries store electrical energy in chemical form and release it as electricity when needed. Larger systems store it by pumping water uphill or charging big battery banks. Storing electricity at scale is a major focus of modern energy technology, especially for renewable power.