The word "electric" has an interesting spelling when it comes to its pronunciation. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "e" sound as in "heh", while the second syllable has a long "ee" sound as in "sheep". The final syllable is pronounced with a "tric" sound that rhymes with "kick". In IPA phonetic transcription, this word is spelled as /ɪˈlɛktrɪk/, which breaks down into the individual sounds of each syllable. Despite the unusual spelling, "electric" is a common word used to describe anything powered by electricity.
Electric is an adjective commonly used to describe phenomena or objects that are related to electricity or powered by electricity. It encompasses the properties, characteristics, and principles pertaining to the generation, distribution, and application of electrical energy.
Electric can refer to the form of energy known as electricity, which is the flow of electrical charge through conductors, such as wires. It relates to the fundamental force of nature responsible for the attraction and repulsion of charged particles, and the behavior of electrical circuits.
In a broader sense, electric can also describe objects, devices, or systems that are powered or operated by electricity. This includes appliances, machinery, and vehicles that rely on electrical energy for their functioning. Examples of electric devices are electric motors, electric heaters, electric cars, and electric trains.
Electric is often associated with the concept of electromagnetism, which describes the relationship between electric currents and magnetic fields, leading to the creation of devices such as electric generators and transformers.
Furthermore, electric can describe the feeling or sensation caused by the application of electrical current to the human body, commonly known as an electric shock. It can also be used figuratively to describe something thrilling, exciting, or energetic, akin to the jolting effects of electricity.
Overall, "electric" pertains to both the physical phenomenon of electricity itself and the countless objects, systems, and experiences associated with it.
Capable of exhibiting electricity when excited by friction; containing electricity; communicating a shock as produced by electricity.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "electric" is derived from the Latin word "ēlectricus" which means "amber-like". It comes from the Greek word "ēlektron" which refers to amber, a fossilized tree resin. The connection between amber and electricity was discovered by the ancient Greeks who observed that amber, when rubbed with certain materials, could attract lightweight objects, like feathers. This phenomenon was named "electricity" and the term was later extended to describe the branch of science that deals with the study of electrical phenomena.