Electrostatic
/ɪˌlɛk.troʊˈstæt.ɪk/noun
Relating to electric charges at rest.
Did you know?The first part comes from Greek ēlektron, meaning “amber,” because ancient people noticed amber could attract tiny bits after being rubbed — a discovery that helped launch the science of electricity.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ēlektron
“amber”
Late Latin
Latin
electrum
“amber”
19th Century
English
electric
“relating to amber-induced electrical phenomena”
19th Century
English
static
“pertaining to standing or unchanging; in physics, at rest”
19th Century
English
electrostatic
“relating to electricity at rest”