electricity

Everyday

1. A kind of energy that flows through wires and powers lights, machines and devices. tree →
2. The supply of this energy to homes: "The electricity went off." tree →
3. Also natural: lightning and static electricity. tree →

In the lessons

In science, electricity flows in a closed circuit; batteries and power stations make it; metals conduct electricity, plastic and rubber do not (insulators). In safety: never poke things into sockets; keep water away from electrical things; don't fly kites near power lines; stay away from fallen wires. Phrases: static electricity, turn off the electricity, save electricity, power cut.

Examples

• Lamps use electricity. tree →
• Never touch plugs with wet hands — water carries electricity. tree →
• Electricity flows through the wire. tree →
• Lightning is a kind of electricity. tree →
• Turn off lights to save electricity. tree →
• Metals let electricity pass through. tree →
• The storm cut off our electricity. tree →
• Rub a balloon to make static electricity. tree →
• It flies nineteen million times faster than the best race-horse; and yet electricity is quicker still. tree →

Note

Uncountable: "electricity", not "an electricity". Adjective: "electric" or "electrical". Electricity from a socket can kill; batteries are much safer but don't put them in your mouth.