Electric to Electro-thermancy
Electric
(E*lec"tric) n. (Physics) A nonconductor of electricity, as amber, glass, resin, etc., employed to
excite or accumulate electricity.
Electrically
(E*lec"tric*al*ly) adv. In the manner of electricity, or by means of it; thrillingly.
Electricalness
(E*lec"tric*al*ness), a. The state or quality of being electrical.
Electrician
(E`lec*tri"cian) n. An investigator of electricity; one versed in the science of electricity.
Electricity
(E`lec*tric"i*ty) n.; pl. Electricities (- tiz). [Cf. F. électricité. See Electric.]
1. A power in nature, a manifestation of energy, exhibiting itself when in disturbed equilibrium or in activity
by a circuit movement, the fact of direction in which involves polarity, or opposition of properties in opposite
directions; also, by attraction for many substances, by a law involving attraction between surfaces of
unlike polarity, and repulsion between those of like; by exhibiting accumulated polar tension when the
circuit is broken; and by producing heat, light, concussion, and often chemical changes when the circuit
passes between the poles or through any imperfectly conducting substance or space. It is generally
brought into action by any disturbance of molecular equilibrium, whether from a chemical, physical, or
mechanical, cause.
[1913 Webster]
Electricity is manifested under following different forms: (a)
Statical electricity, called also Frictional
or Common, electricity, electricity in the condition of a stationary charge, which may be produced
by friction, as of glass, amber, etc., or by induction. (b) Dynamical electricity, called also 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) Thermoelectricity, in
which the disturbing cause is heat It is developed by uniting two pieces of unlike metals in a bar, and
then heating the bar unequally. (d) Atmospheric electricity, any condition of electrical disturbance in
the atmosphere or clouds, due to some or all of the above mentioned causes. (e) Magnetic electricity,
electricity developed by the action of magnets. (f) 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) 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) Organic electricity,
that which is developed in organic structures, either animal or vegetable, the phrase animal electricity
being much more common.
2. The science which unfolds the phenomena and laws of electricity; electrical science.
3. Fig.: Electrifying energy or characteristic.
[1913 Webster]
Electrifiable
(E*lec"tri*fi`a*ble) a. Capable of receiving electricity, or of being charged with it.
Electrification
(E*lec`tri*fi*ca"tion) n. (Physics) The act of electrifying, or the state of being charged
with electricity.
Electrify
(E*lec"tri*fy) 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.
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.
