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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
The softener contains cationic, positively charged ions that help combat the static electricity that forms when clothes are tumbled in an automatic dryer.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2024
Lines of ten vast coolers in each hall keep them at a constant 24°C, and maintain no lower than 40% humidity (low humidity allows static electricity to build up).
—The Week Uk, theweek, 8 Sep. 2024
The ash particles collide with each other and generate static electricity, which can produce lightning.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2024
The cool air in a freezer helps eliminate some of the static electricity that makes the plastic wrap stick to itself.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 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 22 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
static electricity
noun
: electricity that consists of isolated stationary charges
More from Merriam-Webster on static electricity
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about static electricity
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