Electrical

ɪˈlɛktrɪkəl

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonScience
1 meaning2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

Relating to or operated by electricity.

ɪˈlɛktrɪkəl

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Science

Relating to, powered by, or produced by electricity.

The house had a faulty electrical system.

💡 Simply: Imagine your phone charger—that's electrical! It uses electricity to charge your phone. Anything powered by a wire that plugs in is electrical!

👶 For kids: Like when you plug something into the wall, it's using electricity! If it needs electricity, it's electrical.

More Examples

2

She's studying electrical engineering at university.

3

An electrical storm caused a power outage.

How It's Used

Engineering

"Electrical engineers design and maintain power systems."

Household

"The electrical outlets in this house are outdated."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

electrical grid

A network of transmission lines that deliver electricity from power plants to homes and businesses.

"The electrical grid is vulnerable to cyberattacks."

electrical circuit

A closed path through which electrical current flows.

"Engineers checked the electrical circuit for any damage."

From Late Latin electricus, from electrum (amber), which when rubbed attracts small objects. The phenomenon was known to the Greeks.

The term 'electrical' gained prominence with the scientific advancements in electricity during the 18th and 19th centuries, replacing earlier terms related to magnetism and static charges.

Memory tip

Think of the word 'electric' and add '-al' to show it describes something.

Word Origin

LanguageLate Latin
Original meaning

"related to amber (electrum), a substance that attracts objects when rubbed, alluding to the earliest observations of electrical phenomena."

electrical engineerelectrical powerelectrical systemelectrical circuitelectrical outlet

Common misspellings

electicalelectiricalelectrikal

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written