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earthing

earthing

4.9
A connection that joins electrical devices to the ground to stop electric shocks
  • noun
  • /ˈɪrθɪŋ/
  • UK
translation icon : tierra
  • With proper earthing, electrical devices can function safely without the risk of shock.

Examples

  • The technician explained that proper earthing is crucial for electrical safety.

  • Finally, earthing of the line is essential in those areas where lightning strikes may be common.

    Academic text (2003)
  • You will then need an electrician to do the earthing for your PC.

    Blog text (9)
  • Before installing the solar panels, the contractor ensured effective earthing was in place.

Synonyms

grounding
vsearthing
  • Specialized
4 4.0

A connection from an electric device to the earth to stop electric shocks

is the broader safety connection focusing on overall protection rather than voltage only
groundedness
vsearthing
  • Specialized
6.9

A connection to the earth that safely carries away electricity

is the action of making that connection rather than the resulting state

Antonyms

18 3.7

Protecting a place by adding material that reduces heat, sound, or electricity

How Grounded

groundedness
  • Specialized
6.9
earthing
  • UK
4.9
ungroundedness
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

earthing singular
earthings plural
groundings plural
grounding singular

Morphology

earthing = earth (transparent) = earth + ing

A straightforward verbal noun formed from the verb 'to earth' meaning 'to connect to the ground', so the electrical safety sense is directly derived.

Etymology

Earthing comes from the simple word earth, meaning 'ground' or 'soil', plus the ending -ing. In electricity, to 'earth' something means to connect it to the ground to carry away dangerous electricity, so earthing is the process of making that safe connection.