Dictionary Workbench Ondict

electricity

Dictionary entry view. Switch to definition mode above when you know the meaning but not the word.

electricity
e‧lec‧tri‧ci‧ty S2 W3 /ɪˌlekˈtrɪsəti, ɪˌlekˈtrɪsɪti, ˌelɪk-/ noun [uncountable]1. the power that is carried by wires, cables etc, and is used to provide light or heat, to make machines work etc:
    The farm was very isolated, but it had electricity.
2. a feeling of excitement:
    There was electricity in the air between the two of them.
     
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
   ▪ generate/produce electricity We need to find cleaner ways of generating electricity.
   ▪ provide/supply electricity (=produce electricity and make it available to people) The dam will provide water and electricity for 30 million people.
   ▪ use electricity The system uses electricity to heat the water.
   ▪ be powered by electricity In an emergency, the hospital can be powered by electricity from a generator.
   ▪ conduct electricity (=used of a substance – allow electricity to travel along or through it) Some metals conduct electricity better than others.
   ▪ cut off the electricity (=stop the supply of electricity) You risk having your electricity cut off if you fail to pay the bill.
■ electricity + NOUN
   ▪ the electricity supply (=electricity provided to homes and businesses) The storms have disrupted the electricity supply to some areas.
   ▪ electricity demand (=the amount of electricity that is needed) There has been a dramatic growth in electricity demand.
   ▪ electricity production (=the process of producing electricity, or the amount produced) California’s strict environmental policies make it difficult to increase electricity production.
   ▪ electricity consumption (=the amount of electricity that is used) Our target is to cut electricity consumption by 10%.
   ▪ an electricity bill (=a bill you have to pay for electricity you have used) I pay my electricity bill by direct debit.
   ▪ an electricity company Some electricity companies may be able to offer you an environmentally friendly option.
   ▪ the electricity industry He works in the electricity industry.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + electricity
   ▪ mains electricity British English (=electricity supplied to a building from the national electricity supply) The cottage has no mains electricity.
   ▪ static electricity (=electricity that collects on a surface, for example on your clothes or a balloon) He touched the door handle, and felt a jolt of static electricity.