static electricity

noun

: electricity that consists of isolated motionless charges (such as those produced by friction)

Examples of static electricity in a Sentence

In dry weather, static electricity can cause clothes to cling.
Recent Examples on the Web For those interested in experimenting with a few different methods and techniques, electrostatic methods use static electricity to enhance seed germination and plant growth, while magnetic methods stimulate plant growth by simply placing magnets near plants to create magnetic fields. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 10 Oct. 2024 Even so, the mechanics behind the radiation generation has gradually come into focus: As thunderstorms develop, windblown drafts of water droplets, ice, and hail combine into a mix that creates electric charges similar to static electricity. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2024 Invisibly to us, insects and other tiny creatures use static electricity to travel, avoid predators, collect pollen and more. quantamagazine.org, 30 Sep. 2024 Northwestern University researchers have been working on the elusive mystery of how static electricity works for more than half a decade, with a preliminary breakthrough coming in 2019. New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for static electricity 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'static electricity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of static electricity was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near static electricity

Cite this Entry

“Static electricity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/static%20electricity. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

static electricity

noun
: electricity that consists of isolated stationary charges

More from Merriam-Webster on static electricity

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