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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
Researchers demonstrate how adding a splash of water reduces static electricity when grinding coffee.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 6 Dec. 2023
The broom’s patented blade material creates static electricity that attracts hair and fine dust like a magnet.
—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2024
The friction created by breaking up the beans generates static electricity that makes the coffee clump together and stick to the grinder.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Dec. 2023
There was no association between static electricity and where the country was grown or its processing method.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Dec. 2023
Solar storms and other space weather cause discharges of static electricity that can overwhelm satellites, which power GPS, and knock out power lines.
—Maddie Bender, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2023
The first is static electricity, which occurs when particles have friction with each other within ash clouds near ground level.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 22 Dec. 2021
The environment is controlled down to the fabric of the clothing patients are allowed to wear inside — scrubs made from a static-resistant cotton blend, to avoid any possibility of static electricity.
—Shannon Sollitt, The Salt Lake Tribune, 5 Sep. 2023
One notable advantage is its ability to reduce static in the fur, which can be especially helpful during dry seasons when static electricity tends to build up.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 29 Aug. 2023
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 19 Mar. 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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