static electricity
noun Electricity.
a stationary electric charge built up on an insulating material.
Compare
electrostatics.
Origin of static electricity
First recorded in 1875–80
Words nearby static electricity
static,
static character,
static cling,
static convulsion,
static dump,
static electricity,
static friction,
static line,
static memory,
static pressure,
static ram
Scientific definitions for static electricity
static electricity
Electric charge that has accumulated on an object. Static electricity is often created when two objects that are not good electrical conductors are rubbed together, and electrons from one of the objects rub off onto the other. This happens, for example, when combing one's hair or taking off a sweater. Sudden releases of built-up static electricity can take the form of an electric arc. See Note at electric charge.
Cultural definitions for static electricity
static electricity
An electrical charge that accumulates on an object when it is rubbed against another object — for example, the spark that jumps from someone's hand to a doorknob after the person has walked across a rug.