electric field

noun

: a region associated with a distribution of electric charge or a varying magnetic field in which forces due to that charge or field act upon other electric charges

Examples of electric field in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Meanwhile, biologists are exploring low-energy ways to coax real fungi to grow in neat rows, from steering nutrients toward one side of a petri dish to applying gentle electric fields that encourage filaments to align. Mohamed Khalil Elhachimi, The Conversation, 16 July 2025 To be clear, the formation of a strong electric field precedes lightning and no direct observations of electric fields within dust devils on Mars have been found thus far. Unnati Ashar, Space.com, 2 July 2025 Quantum sensors detect and quantify minute changes in time, gravity, temperature, pressure, rotation, acceleration, frequency, and magnetic and electric fields using the smallest amounts of matter and energy. Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 Under most conditions, any electric potential induced in a rotating conductor gets canceled by an opposing internal electric field. Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for electric field

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electric field was in 1879

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Cite this Entry

“Electric field.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electric%20field. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

electric field

noun
: a region associated with a distribution of electric charge or a varying magnetic field in which forces due to that charge or field act upon other electric charges

Medical Definition

electric field

noun
: a region associated with a distribution of electric charge or a varying magnetic field in which forces due to that charge or field act upon other electric charges

More from Merriam-Webster on electric field

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