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electrical power

electrical power

12 3.2
The rate at which electricity flows through a circuit, measured by voltage times current
  • noun
  • /ɪˈlɛktrɪkəl ˈpaʊər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : potencia eléctrica
  • "We consider that electrical power is a key element in the development process.
  • electrical power generation
  • loss of electrical power
  • produce electrical power

Examples

  • To improve efficiency, we need to monitor the electrical power consumption of our appliances.

  • Jordan is in the process of privatizing its electrical power and transport sectors.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Little is written on the U.S. electrical power industry during World War II.

    Academic text (2004)
  • I will make you the greatest provider of electrical power in the world.

  • In this way, the fuel cell can produce an adequate amount of electrical power for practical applications.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Solar power is the least prevalent source of electrical power in the United States.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Leningrad has lost all electrical power.

  • Electrical power has been partially restored.

  • Furthermore, the process relies on pumps, which require substantial quantities of electrical power.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The floods had knocked out electrical power, smashed bridges, and covered roads with thick muddy brown.

    Fiction book (2001)

Synonyms

power
vselectrical power
  • Specialized
1.5

Energy that makes machines and lights work

is the precise circuit energy transfer rate, not the general energy or work rate
electric power
vselectrical power
  • Specialized
14 3.4

How fast electricity moves in a circuit is equal to voltage times current

is the alternate adjective form for that same technical rate
wattage
vselectrical power
  • Specialized
6 3.9

The amount of electric power measured in watts

is the specific technical term for the circuit energy transfer rate

How Powerful

high-voltage
  • Specialized
7 4.2
electrical power
  • Specialized
12 3.2
low-powered
1 3.7
nonpower
  • Specialized
7.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

electrical + power

The noun phrase is compositionally built from 'electrical' (relating to electricity) + 'power' (energy or rate of doing work), so its meaning—power associated with electrical energy or the rate of energy transfer in a circuit—is directly predictable from the parts. This adjective+noun pattern is common and has clear parallels in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Electrical power comes from a simple image: think of electricity like water in a pipe, and electrical means the flow while power is how much that flow can do. So electrical power means 'how much electrical energy is sent or used each second'.