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electric power

electric power

14 3.4
How fast electricity moves in a circuit is equal to voltage times current
  • noun
  • /ɪˈlɛktrɪk ˈpaʊər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : potencia eléctrica
  • Scientists are researching ways to improve the efficiency of electric power generation from solar panels.
  • electric power plants
  • electric power industry
  • generate electric power

A warehouse, a water desalina tion plant, a electric power generation, whatever.

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Examples

  • In South Africa, the state electric power company supports long-term climate forecasting research.

    Academic text (1997)
  • If current trends continue, developing countries will get about 70 percent of their electric power from fossil fuels.

    Academic text (1995)
  • It's a very clean way to make electric power.

  • Many of the nation's electric power plants are due to be replaced.

    Academic text (1994)
  • And let's say that this left area wanted to sell electric power to the right area.

  • One that would supply electric power to run an entire factory.

  • OK, so let's start by looking at the emissions associated with different electric power sources.

  • Today it lies at the heart of the hope for cheap electric power through peaceful application of the fusion process.

    Academic text (2012)
  • What the world needs now is an environmentally benign way to generate electric power efficiently.

    Academic text (1994)
  • The flooding of seven substations resulted in the loss of electric power for much of downtown Des Moines.

    Academic text (1993)

Synonyms

power
vselectric power
  • Specialized
1.5

Energy that makes machines and lights work

is specifically the transfer rate in circuits rather than general energy use
load
vselectric power
  • Specialized
92 5.2

The amount of electric power used or supplied

focuses on the transfer rate through a circuit rather than consumption or device
electrical power
vselectric power
  • Specialized
12 3.2

The rate at which electricity flows through a circuit, measured by voltage times current

is the same concept but uses a different form of the phrase
wattage
vselectric power
  • Specialized
6 3.9

The amount of electric power measured in watts

is the rate of energy transfer in a circuit rather than the unit label

How Powerful

megawatt
  • Specialized
20 3.9
kilowatt
  • Specialized
16 3.2
electric power
  • Specialized
14 3.4
watt
  • Specialized
106 2.9
milliwatt
  • Specialized
1 4.2

Surface Forms

Morphology

electric + power

The noun phrase combines 'electric' (relating to electricity) and 'power' (energy or supply), so a learner who knows both words can readily infer it refers to electrical energy or the supply of electricity. While the precise technical definition (rate = voltage × current) is scientific detail, the core meaning is transparently compositional and cross-linguistically similar.

Etymology

Electric power comes from putting together electric, meaning lightning or the flow of electricity, and power, meaning 'ability to do work'. Imagine lightning or a battery giving the strength to run a motor or light a bulb; that image explains why electric power means the amount of electrical 'energy' used to do work.