a car that is powered by electricity
"I'm thinking about selling my gas-powered sedan to buy an electric car for better fuel efficiency."
Electricity; the electricity supply.
"The storm knocked out the electric, leaving our entire neighborhood in darkness for hours."
In plain English: An electric is a vehicle that runs on batteries instead of gasoline.
"The electric gave her a sudden shock when she touched the doorknob."
Usage: Use "the electric" only in specific regional dialects to refer to the electrical power supply or grid. In standard English, always use the adjective form before a noun, such as "electric car," rather than using it as a standalone noun.
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
"electric current"
"electric wiring"
"electrical appliances"
"an electrical storm"
affected by emotion as if by electricity; thrilling
"gave an electric reading of the play"
"the new leader had a galvanic effect on morale"
Of, relating to, produced by, operated with, or utilising electricity; electrical.
"The electric car charged quickly before we left for the trip."
In plain English: Electric means powered by electricity, like how your phone charges from an outlet.
"The electric guitar made a loud noise in the band."
Usage: Use "electric" to describe devices that run on electricity or objects charged with static electricity. Avoid using it when you simply mean something related to the field of electricity, as "electrical" is more precise for general machinery and systems.
The word "electric" comes from the New Latin ēlectricus, which originally meant "of amber." It entered English around 1646, describing the static charge produced when amber is rubbed.