Electrical
/ɪˈlɛk.trɪ.kəl/noun
Relating to electricity or to the properties, effects, or phenomena of electric charge.
Did you know?Its ultimate root is Greek *ēlektron* meaning “amber,” the material that famously produced static shocks when rubbed, helping launch the entire vocabulary of electricity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂el-
“A root often connected with shining or amber-colored things, though the exact prehistory is debated.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἤλεκτρον (ēlektron)
“Amber; also a yellowish alloy of gold and silver in later usage.”
Late Latin
Latin
electricus
“Of amber; producing static attraction like amber when rubbed.”
17th Century
Latin/English
electric
“Relating to the attractive properties of rubbed amber and similar materials.”
19th Century
English
electrical
“Pertaining to electricity or electric phenomena.”