Electorate - Electromotor

Prev Next

Electorate (?), n. [Cf. F. électorat.] 1. The territory, jurisdiction, or dignity of an elector, as in the old German empire.
[ Webster]

2. The whole body of persons in a nation or state who are entitled to vote in an election, or any distinct class or division of them.
[ Webster]

The middle-class electorate of Great Britain. M. Arnold.
[ Webster]

Electoress (?), n. [Fem. of .] An electress. Bp. Burnet.
[ Webster]

Electorial (?), a. Electoral. Burke.
[ Webster]

Electorship (?), n. The office or status of an elector.

{ Electre, Electer } (?), n. [L. electrum: cf. F. électre mixture of gold and silver. See .] 1. Amber. See . [Obs.]
[ Webster]

2. A metallic substance compounded of gold and silver; an alloy. [Obs.] Wyclif.
[ Webster]

Electrepeter (�lĕktrĕp�tẽr), n. [Electro + Gr. trepein to turn.] An instrument used to change the direction of electric currents; a commutator. [R.]
[ Webster]

Electress (�lĕktrĕs), n. [Cf. F. électrice. Cf. .] The wife or widow of an elector in the old German empire. Burke.

{ Electric (�lĕktrĭk), Electrical (�lĕktrĭk�l), } a. [L. electrum amber, a mixed metal, Gr. 'hlektron; akin to 'hlektwr the beaming sun, cf. Skr. arc to beam, shine: cf. F. électrique. The name came from the production of electricity by the friction of amber.] 1. Pertaining to electricity; consisting of, containing, derived from, or produced by, electricity; as, electric power or virtue; an electric jar; electric effects; an electric spark; an electric charge; an electric current; an electrical engineer.
[ Webster]

2. Capable of occasioning the phenomena of electricity; as, an electric or electrical machine or substance; an electric generator.
[ Webster]

3. Electrifying; thrilling; magnetic. “Electric Pindar.” Mrs. Browning.
[ Webster]

4. powered by electricity; as, electrical appliances; an electric toothbrush; an electric automobile.
[WordNet 1.5]

Coloq. Electric atmosphere , or Coloq. Electric aura . See under . -- Coloq. Electrical battery . See . -- Coloq. Electrical brush . See under . -- Coloq. Electric cable . See Telegraph cable, under . -- Coloq. Electric candle . See under . -- Coloq. Electric cat (Zoöl.), one of three or more large species of African catfish of the genus Malapterurus (esp. M. electricus of the Nile). They have a large electrical organ and are able to give powerful shocks; -- called also sheathfish. -- Coloq. Electric clock . See under , and see . -- Coloq. Electric current , a current or stream of electricity traversing a closed circuit formed of conducting substances, or passing by means of conductors from one body to another which is in a different electrical state. -- Coloq. Electric eel , or Coloq. Electrical eel (Zoöl.), a South American eel-like fresh-water fish of the genus Gymnotus (G. electricus), from two to five feet in length, capable of giving a violent electric shock. See . -- Coloq. Electrical fish (Zoöl.), any fish which has an electrical organ by means of which it can give an electrical shock. The best known kinds are the torpedo, the gymnotus, or electrical eel, and the electric cat. See , and . -- Coloq. Electric fluid , the supposed matter of electricity; lightning. [archaic] -- Coloq. Electrical image (Elec.), a collection of electrical points regarded as forming, by an analogy with optical phenomena, an image of certain other electrical points, and used in the solution of electrical problems. Sir W. Thomson. -- Coloq. Electric machine , or Coloq. Electrical machine , an apparatus for generating, collecting, or exciting, electricity, as by friction. -- Coloq. Electric motor . See , 2. -- Coloq. Electric osmose . (Physics) See under . -- Coloq. Electric pen , a hand pen for making perforated stencils for multiplying writings. It has a puncturing needle driven at great speed by a very small magneto-electric engine on the penhandle. -- Coloq. Electric railway , a railway in which the machinery for moving the cars is driven by an electric current. -- Coloq. Electric ray (Zoöl.), the torpedo. -- Coloq. Electric telegraph . See .
[ Webster]

Electric (?), n. (Physics) A nonconductor of electricity, as amber, glass, resin, etc., employed to excite or accumulate electricity.
[ Webster]

Electrically (?), adv. In the manner of electricity, or by means of it; thrillingly.
[ Webster]

Electricalness, a. The state or quality of being electrical.
[ Webster]

electrician (ēlĕktrĭsh�n), n. 1. An investigator of electricity; one versed in the science of electricity. [archaic]
[ Webster]

2. a technician who installs, repairs, or maintains electrical wiring or electrical devices, especially in buildings.
[PJC]

3. a person who is licensed by a governmental board to install electrical wiring and devices in structures; called also a licensed electrician.
[PJC]

Electricity (ēlĕktrĭsĭt�), n.; pl. Electricities (ēlĕktrĭsĭtĭz). [Cf. F. électricité. See .] 1. (Physics) a property of certain of the fundamental particles of which matter is composed, called also electric charge, and being of two types, designated positive and negative; the property of electric charge on a particle or physical body creates a force field which affects other particles or bodies possessing electric charge; positive charges create a repulsive force between them, and negative charges also create a repulsive force. A positively charged body and a negatively charged body will create an attractive force between them. The unit of electrical charge is the , and the intensity of the force field at any point is measured in .
[PJC]

2. any of several phenomena associated with the accumulation or movement of electrically charged particles within material bodies, classified as static electricity and electric current. Static electricity is often observed in everyday life, when it causes certain materials to cling together; when sufficient static charge is accumulated, an electric current may pass through the air between two charged bodies, and is observed as a visible spark; when the spark passes from a human body to another object it may be felt as a mild to strong painful sensation. Electricity in the form of electric current is put to many practical uses in electrical and electronic devices. Lightning is also known to be a form of electric current passing between clouds and the ground, or between two clouds. Electric currents may produce heat, light, concussion, and often chemical changes when passed between objects or through any imperfectly conducting substance or space. Accumulation of electrical charge or generation of a voltage differnce between two parts of a complex object may be caused by any of a variety of disturbances of molecular equilibrium, whether from a chemical, physical, or mechanical, cause. Electric current in metals and most other solid coductors is carried by the movement of electrons from one part of the metal to another. In ionic solutions and in semiconductors, other types of movement of charged particles may be responsible for the observed electrical current.
[PJC]

☞ Electricity is manifested under following different forms: (a) Coloq. Statical electricity , called also Coloq. Frictional electricity or Coloq. Common electricity , electricity in the condition of a stationary charge, in which the disturbance is produced by friction, as of glass, amber, etc., or by induction. (b) Coloq. Dynamical electricity , called also Coloq. Voltaic electricity , electricity in motion, or as a current produced by chemical decomposition, as by means of a voltaic battery, or by mechanical action, as by dynamo-electric machines. (c) Coloq. Thermoelectricity , in which the disturbing cause is heat (attended possibly with some chemical action). It is developed by uniting two pieces of unlike metals in a bar, and then heating the bar unequally. (d) Coloq. Atmospheric electricity , any condition of electrical disturbance in the atmosphere or clouds, due to some or all of the above mentioned causes. (e) Coloq. Magnetic electricity , electricity developed by the action of magnets. (f) Coloq. Positive electricity , the electricity that appears at the positive pole or anode of a battery, or that is produced by friction of glass; -- called also vitreous electricity. (g) Coloq. Negative electricity , the electricity that appears at the negative pole or cathode, or is produced by the friction of resinous substance; -- called also resinous electricity. (h) Coloq. Organic electricity , that which is developed in organic structures, either animal or vegetable, the phrase animal electricity being much more common.
[ Webster]

3. The science which studies the phenomena and laws of electricity; electrical science.
[ Webster]

4. Fig.: excitement, anticipation, or emotional tension, usually caused by the occurrence or expectation of something unusual or important.

Electrical light, 1. the light produced by a current of electricity which in passing through a resisting medium heats it to incandescence or burns it. See under .
[ Webster]

2. a lamp whose light is produced by passing an electric current through a light bulb, especially an incandescent lamp.
[PJC]

electric chair, n. a device used for execution of criminals, consisting of a specially designed chair in which the victim is killed by passing a large current of electricity through the body. This method of killing is called electrocution.
Syn. -- the chair, death chair, hot seat. [PJC]

electric charge, electrical charge, same as electricity{1}.
[PJC]

electric current, electrical current, the movement of electrically charged particles, atoms, or ions, through solids, liquids, gases, or free space; the term is usually used of relatively smooth movements of electric charge through conductors, whether constant or variable. Sudden movements of charge are usually referred to by other terms, such as spark or lightning or discharge. In metallic conductors the electric current is usually due to movement of electrons through the metal. The current is measured as the rate of movement of charge per unit time, and is counted in units of amperes. As a formal definition, the direction of movement of electric current is considered as the same as the direction of movement of positive charge, or in a direction opposite to the movement of negative charge. Electric current may move constantly in a single direction, called direct current (abbreviated DC), or may move alternately in one direction and then the opposite direction, called alternating current (abbreviated AC).
[PJC]

Electrifiable (?), a. Capable of receiving electricity, or of being charged with it.
[ Webster]

Electrification (?), n. (Physics) The act of electrifying, or the state of being charged with electricity.
[ Webster]

Electrify (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Electrified (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Electrifying (?).] [Electric + -fy.] 1. To communicate electricity to; to charge with electricity; as, to electrify a jar.
[ Webster]

2. To cause electricity to pass through; to affect by electricity; to give an electric shock to; as, to electrify a limb, or the body.
[ Webster]

3. To excite suddenly and violently, esp. by something highly delightful or inspiriting; to thrill; as, this patriotic sentiment electrified the audience.
[ Webster]

If the sovereign were now to immure a subject in defiance of the writ of habeas corpus . . . the whole nation would be instantly electrified by the news. Macaulay.
[ Webster]

Try whether she could electrify Mr. Grandcourt by mentioning it to him at table. G. Eliot.
[ Webster]

4. To equip for employment of electric power; to modify (a device) so that it uses electrical power as the main source of energy; as, to electrify a railroad.
[Webster Suppl. +PJC]

Electrify, v. i. To become electric.
[ Webster]

Electrine (?), a. [L. electrinus of amber. See .] 1. Belonging to, or made of, amber.
[ Webster]

2. Made of electrum, an alloy used by the ancients.
[ Webster]

Electrition (?), n. (Physiol.) The recognition by an animal body of the electrical condition of external objects.
[ Webster]

Electrization (?), n. [Cf. F. électrisation.] The act of electrizing; electrification.
[ Webster]

Electrize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Electrized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Electrizing (?).] [Cf. F. électriser.] To electricity. Eng. Cyc.
[ Webster]

Electrizer (?), n. One who, or that which, electrizes.
[ Webster]

Electro- (?). [L. electrum amber. See .] A prefix or combining form signifying pertaining to electricity, produced by electricity, producing or employing electricity, etc.; as, electro-negative; electro-dynamic; electro-magnet.
[ Webster]

Electro, n. An electrotype.
[ Webster]

Electro-ballistic (?), a. Pertaining to electro-ballistics.
[ Webster]

Electro-ballistics (?), n. The art or science of measuring the force or velocity of projectiles by means of electricity.
[ Webster]

Electro-biologist (?), n. (Biol.) One versed in electro-biology.
[ Webster]

Electro-biology (?), n. (Biol.) 1. That branch of biology which treats of the electrical phenomena of living organisms.
[ Webster]

2. That phase of mesmerism or animal magnetism, the phenomena of which are supposed to be produced by a form of electricity.
[ Webster]

Electro-bioscopy (?), n. [Electro- + Gr. � life + -scopy.] (Biol.) A method of determining the presence or absence of life in an animal organism with a current of electricity, by noting the presence or absence of muscular contraction.
[ Webster]

Electro-capillarity (?), n. (Physics) The occurrence or production of certain capillary effects by the action of an electrical current or charge.
[ Webster]

Electro-capillary (?), a. (Physics) Pert. to, or caused by, electro-capillarity.
[ Webster]

Electro-chemical (?), a. Of or pertaining to electro-chemistry. Ure.
[ Webster]

Electro-chemistry (?), n. That branch of science which treats of the relation of electricity to chemical changes.
[ Webster]

Electro-chronograph (?), n. (Astron. Physics) An instrument for obtaining an accurate record of the time at which any observed phenomenon occurs, or of its duration. It has an electro-magnetic register connected with a clock. See .
[ Webster]

Electro-chronographic (?), a. Belonging to the electro-chronograph, or recorded by the aid of it.
[ Webster]

Electrocute (?), v. t. [Electro- + cute in execute.] To execute or put to death by electricity. -- Electrocution, n.
[ Webster]

electrocution n. 1. execution by electricity. Electrocution as a form of punishment for crime is usually carried out while the victim is sitting in a chair specially designed for the purpose, called an electric chair, fitted with electrodes that contact the head and limbs. To be executed in such a manner is sometimes referred to in grim humor as to .
Syn. -- burning.
[WordNet 1.5 +PJC]

2. killing by electric shock.
[WordNet 1.5]

electrocutioner n. an executioner who uses electricity to kill the condemned person.
[WordNet 1.5]

Electrode (�lĕktrōd), n. [Electro- + Gr. odos way, path: cf. F. électrode.] (Elec.) a conducting object by which electricity is conveyed into or from a solution or other non-metallic conducting medium; esp., the ends of the wires or conductors, leading from source of electricity, and terminating in the medium traversed by the current. Electrodes may be specially designed or made of a special material for particular purposes, as for example silver electrodes used in electroplating.
[ Webster +PJC]

{ Electro-dynamic (?), Electro-dynamical (?), } a. (Physics) Pertaining to the movements or force of electric or galvanic currents; dependent on electric force.
[ Webster]

Electro-dynamics (?), n. 1. The phenomena of electricity in motion.
[ Webster]

2. The branch of science which treats of the properties of electric currents; dynamical electricity.
[ Webster]

Electro-dynamometer (?), n. An instrument for measuring the strength of electro-dynamic currents.
[ Webster]

Electro-engraving (?), n. The art or process of engraving by means of electricity.
[ Webster]

Electro-etching (?), n. A mode of etching upon metals by electrolytic action.
[ Webster]

Electrogenesis (?), n. [Electro- + genesis.] (Physiol.) Same as .
[ Webster]

Electrogenic (?), a. (Physiol.) Of or pertaining to electrogenesis; as, an electrogenic condition.
[ Webster]

Electrogeny (?), n. [Electro- + Gr. � to produce.] (Physiol.) A term sometimes applied to the effects (tetanus) produced in the muscles of the limbs, when a current of electricity is passed along the spinal cord or nerves.
[ Webster]

Electro-gilding (?), n. The art or process of gilding copper, iron, etc., by means of voltaic electricity.
[ Webster]

Electro-gilt (?), a. Gilded by means of voltaic electricity.
[ Webster]

Electrograph (?), n. [Electro- + -graph.] 1. A mark, record, or tracing, made by the action of electricity.
[ Webster]

2. An apparatus, controlled by electric devices, used to trace designs for etching.
[Webster Suppl.]

3. An instrument for the reproduction at a distance of pictures, maps, etc., by means of electricity. [archaic]
[Webster Suppl.]

4. An image made by the Röntgen rays; a sciagraph. [archaic]
[Webster Suppl.]

5. A cinematograph using the arc light. [archaic]
[Webster Suppl.]

Electrographic (?), a. Of or pertaining to an electrograph or electrography.
[Webster Suppl.]

Electrography (?), n. 1. The art or process of making electrographs or using an electrograph.
[Webster Suppl.]

2. = .
[Webster Suppl.]

Electro-kinetic (?), a. Of or pertaining to electro-kinetics.
[ Webster]

Electro-kinetics (?), n. That branch of electrical science which treats of electricity in motion.
[ Webster]

Electrolier (?), n. [Formed from electric in imitation of chandelier.] A branching frame, often of ornamental design, to support electric illuminating lamps.
[ Webster]

Electrology (?), n. [Electro- + -logy.] That branch of physical science which treats of the phenomena of electricity and its properties.
[ Webster]

Electrolysis (?), n. [Electro- + Gr. � a loosing, dissolving, fr. � to loose, dissolve.] (Physics & Chem.) The act or process of chemical decomposition, by the action of electricity; as, the electrolysis of silver or nickel for plating; the electrolysis of water.
[ Webster]

Electrolyte (?), n. [Electro- + Gr. � a dissoluble: cf. F. électrolyte.] (Physics & Chem.) A compound decomposable, or subjected to decomposition, by an electric current.

{ Electrolytic (?), Electrolytical (?), } a. [Cf. F. électrolytique.] Pertaining to electrolysis; as, electrolytic action. -- Electrolytically, adv.
[ Webster]

Electrolyzable (?), a. Capable of being electrolyzed, or decomposed by electricity.
[ Webster]

Electrolyzation (?), n. The act or the process of electrolyzing.
[ Webster]

Electrolyze (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Electrolyzed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Electrolyzing (?).] [Cf. F. électrolyser. See .] 1. To decompose by the direct action of electricity. Faraday.
[ Webster]

2. [See .] To subject to electrolysis. -- Electrolyzation (#), n.
[Webster Suppl.]

Electro-magnet (?), n. A mass, usually of soft iron, but sometimes of some other magnetic metal, as nickel or cobalt, rendered temporarily magnetic by being placed within a coil of wire through which a current of electricity is passing. The metal is generally in the form of a bar, either straight, or bent into the shape of a horseshoe.
[ Webster]

Electro-magnetic (?), a. Of or pertaining to .
[ Webster]

Coloq. Electro-magnetic engine , an engine in which the motive force is electro-magnetism. -- Coloq. Electro-magnetic theory of light (Physics), a theory of light which makes it consist in the rapid alternation of transient electric currents moving transversely to the direction of the ray.
[ Webster]

Electro-magnetism n. 1. magnetism produced by an electric current.
[WordNet 1.5]

2. one of the fundamental forces of nature, responsible for both electrical and magnetic phenomena. Called also the electromagnetic force. Formerly believed to be separate phenomena, electricity and magnetism were shown by experiment and theory to be different aspects of the electromagnetic force. It is responsible for the forces generated between magnetically or electrically charged objects, and is the fundamental force responsible for the characteristics of electromagnetic radiation, including light.
[PJC]

3. the branch of physics concerned with electromagnetic phenomena.
[WordNet 1.5]

Electro-metallurgy (?), n. The act or art precipitating a metal electro-chemical action, by which a coating is deposited, on a prepared surface, as in electroplating and electrotyping; galvanoplasty.
[ Webster]

Electrometer (?), n. [Electro- + -meter: cf. F. électromètre.] (Physics) An instrument for measuring the quantity or intensity of electricity; also, sometimes, and less properly, applied to an instrument which indicates the presence of electricity (usually called an electroscope).
[ Webster]

Coloq. Balance electrometer . See under .

{ Electro-metric (?), Electro-metrical (?), } a. [Cf. F. électrométrique.] Pertaining to electrometry; made by means of an electrometer; as, an electrometrical experiment.
[ Webster]

Electrometry (?), n. [Cf. F. électrométrie.] (Physics) The art or process of making electrical measurements.
[ Webster]

Electro-motion (?), n. The motion of electricity or its passage from one metal to another in a voltaic circuit; mechanical action produced by means of electricity.
[ Webster]

Electro-motive (?), a. Producing electro-motion; producing, or tending to produce, electricity or an electric current; causing electrical action or effects.
[ Webster]

Coloq. Electro-motive force (Physics), the force which produces, or tends to produce, electricity, or an electric current; sometimes used to express the degree of electrification as equivalent to potential, or more properly difference of potential.
[ Webster]

Electromotor (?), n. [Cf. F. électromoteur.] 1. (Physics) A mover or exciter of electricity; as apparatus for generating a current of electricity.
[ Webster]

2. (Mech.) An apparatus or machine for producing motion and mechanical effects by the action of electricity; an electro-magnetic engine.
[ Webster]

Prev Next

Concept Explore Home

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z