electric field
Americannoun
noun
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The distribution in space of the strength and direction of forces that would be exerted on an electric charge at any point in that space. Electric fields themselves result directly from other electric charges or from changing magnetic fields. The strength of an electric field at a given point in space near an electrically charged object is proportional to the amount of charge on the object, and inversely proportional to the distance between the point and the object.
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See also electromagnetism electrostatic force
Etymology
Origin of electric field
First recorded in 1895–1900
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Through capacitive coupling, that charge may generate intense electric fields inside microscopic voids within fractured rock.
From Science Daily
Their work shows that the effect arises from how electrons scatter at interfaces, with this scattering controlled by both the magnetization and the electric field at the interface.
From Science Daily
The team found that the twisting comes from electroosmotic flow, the movement of water driven by electric fields inside the nanopore.
From Science Daily
Although the basic chemistry of water splitting is well understood under everyday conditions, far less is known about how water behaves inside electrochemical devices where powerful electric fields are present.
From Science Daily
When lithium niobate vibrates, it produces oscillating electric fields, and those electric fields can also trigger vibrations.
From Science Daily
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.