animal electricity

noun

: electricity generated in the bodies of animals (as through friction)

specifically : electricity generated by specially adapted organs of some fishes (as the electric eel) and apparently used chiefly in attack or defense

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of animal electricity was in 1765

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Animal electricity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/animal%20electricity. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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