electricity

The story

1. Ancient Greekἤλεκτρον (ḗlektron)
2. Latinēlectrum
3. New Latinēlectricus
4. Englishelectric
5. English todayelectricity

From electric + -ity.

First known use, by meaning

• from 17th c. Originally, a property of amber and certain other nonconducting substances to attract lightweight material when rubbed, or the cause of this property; now understood to be a phenomenon caused by the distribution and movement of charged subatomic particles and their interaction with the electromagnetic field.
• from 18th c. The study of electrical phenomena; the branch of science dealing with such phenomena.
• from 18th c. A feeling of excitement; a thrill.
• from 19th c. Electrical power, as supplied by power stations or generators.