electric current

electric current
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 ⚽ Нужно сделать НИР?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Electric current — Electric E*lec tric ([ e]*l[e^]k tr[i^]k), Electrical E*lec tric*al ([ e]*l[e^]k tr[i^]*kal), a. [L. electrum amber, a mixed metal, Gr. h lektron; akin to hle ktwr the beaming sun, cf. Skr. arc to beam, shine: cf. F. [ e]lectrique. The name came… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • electric current — electric current, electrical 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Electric current — Electromagnetism …   Wikipedia

  • electric current — Elect. the time rate of flow of electric charge, in the direction that a positive moving charge would take and having magnitude equal to the quantity of charge per unit time: measured in amperes. Also called current, electricity. [1830 40] * * *… …   Universalium

  • electric current — noun a flow of electricity through a conductor (Freq. 4) the current was measured in amperes • Syn: ↑current • Hypernyms: ↑electrical phenomenon • Hyponyms: ↑juice, ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • electric current — the stream of electricity that moves along a conductor. Symbol I. An electric current is due to a difference of potential between two points, this difference being measured in volts. The volume of flow depends on the difference of potential and… …   Medical dictionary

  • electric current — elektros srovės stipris statusas T sritis Standartizacija ir metrologija apibrėžtis Elektros kiekis, per vienetinį laiko tarpą pratekantis per laidininko skerspjūvį. Elektros srovės stipris yra vienas iš pagrindinių SI dydžių. atitikmenys: angl.… …   Penkiakalbis aiškinamasis metrologijos terminų žodynas

  • electric current — elektros srovė statusas T sritis automatika atitikmenys: angl. electric current vok. elektrischer Strom, m rus. электрический ток, m pranc. courant électrique, m …   Automatikos terminų žodynas

  • electric current — elektros srovė statusas T sritis Standartizacija ir metrologija apibrėžtis Kryptingas krūvininkų judėjimas. atitikmenys: angl. electric current vok. elektrischer Strom, m rus. электрический ток, m pranc. courant électrique, m …   Penkiakalbis aiškinamasis metrologijos terminų žodynas

  • electric current — elektros srovė statusas T sritis chemija apibrėžtis Kryptingas krūvininkų judėjimas. atitikmenys: angl. electric current rus. электрический ток …   Chemijos terminų aiškinamasis žodynas

Share the article and excerpts

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