Definition of electric

The word "electric" has its roots in Greek philosophy. The Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus (624-546 BC) is credited with being the first to study electricity. He noticed that rubbing amber against certain materials, such as fur, could create a static electric charge. The Greek word "ēlektron" (ἤλεκτρον) referred to amber, which was often used in ancient Greece to create these static electric charges. The term "electric" was eventually derived from this word, with the Latin translator William Gilbert (1544-1603) coining the term "electricus" in his 1600 book "De magnete". Gilbert's work introduced the concept of electric charge and the concept of electricity as we know it today. Over time, the term "electric" has evolved to encompass not only the study of electricity but also the invention and use of electric devices, such as light bulbs, motors, and computers.