static electricity

static electricity
Electricity E`lec*tric"i*ty ([=e]`l[e^]k*tr[i^]s"[i^]*t[y^]), n.; pl. {Electricities} ([=e]`l[e^]k*tr[i^]s"[i^]*t[i^]z). [Cf. F. ['e]lectricit['e]. See {Electric}.] 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 {coulomb}, and the intensity of the force field at any point is measured in {volts}. [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]

Note: Electricity is manifested under following different forms: (a)

{Statical electricity}, called also

{Frictional electricity} or {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)

{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 (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)

{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. [1913 Webster]

3. The science which studies the phenomena and laws of electricity; electrical science. [1913 Webster]

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


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Static electricity — Static Stat ic (st[a^]t [i^]k), Statical Stat ic*al ( [i^]*kal), a. [Gr. statiko s causing to stand, skilled in weighing, fr. ista nai to cause to stand: cf. F. statique. See {Stand}, and cf. {Stage}.] 1. Resting; acting by mere weight without… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Static electricity — For the science of static charges see Electrostatics Static electricity refers to the accumulation of excess electric charge in a region with poor electrical conductivity (an insulator), such that the charge accumulation persists. The effects of… …   Wikipedia

  • static electricity — Franklinic Frank*lin ic, a. Of or pertaining to Benjamin Franklin. [1913 Webster] {Franklinic electricity}, electricity produced by friction; called also {static electricity}. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • static electricity — /ˌstætɪk ɛlɛkˈtrɪsəti/ (say .statik elek trisuhtee) noun 1. electricity at rest, as that produced by friction: *a few tonnes of feed were destroyed in the blaze, which was thought to have been caused by a build up of static electricity. –aap news …  

  • static electricity — statinė elektra statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: angl. static electricity vok. statische Elektrizität, f rus. статическое электричество, n pranc. électricité statique, f …   Fizikos terminų žodynas

  • static electricity — static elec tricity n [U] electricity that is not flowing in a current, but collects on the surface of an object and gives you a small ↑electric shock …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • static electricity — static elec tricity noun uncount electricity that does not flow in a current but is found in certain objects when they rub together and can give an electric shock …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • static electricity — electricity which is created in a body that is not in motion; electrical charge that is created by factors such as dryness in the air …   English contemporary dictionary

  • static electricity — Electricity generated by friction between two objects. It will remain in one object until discharged …   Dictionary of automotive terms

  • static electricity — noun electricity produced by friction • Hypernyms: ↑electricity …   Useful english dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”