American Dictionary

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Definition electric in American English

electric adjective

adjective
/ɪˈlektrɪk/

Electric describes things that use electricity to make them work: an electric iron/shaver/guitar

Electrical is used in more technical contexts when referring to the manufacture or use of electricity: electrical wiringan electrical engineer

Electrical is also used with general nouns when referring to things that are powered by electricity: electrical equipmentan electrical appliance

Electronic describes equipment and systems that use computer chips, transistors, and similar very small parts: The store sells computers, MP3 players, and other electronic products.an electronic surveillance system.

Example

an electric motor/drill/razor/toothbrush

Example

houses without electric light

Synonyms and related words
Example

an electric outlet/plug/cord

Synonyms and related words
Example

an electric current

Synonyms and related words
Example

The atmosphere here tonight is absolutely electric.

Synonyms and related words
Definition electric in American English