static electricity
Plural
static electricities
1
a form of electricity generated by friction between two materials, resulting in an imbalance of electric charges on their surfaces
- When you shuffle your feet on a carpet, static electricity builds up, causing a shock when you touch a doorknob.
- Rubbing a balloon against your hair creates static electricity, making the balloon stick to walls or attract small objects.
- Static electricity can ignite flammable gases when refueling vehicles due to the discharge from your body.
- Lightning is a natural phenomenon caused by static electricity buildup in clouds.
- Static electricity is used in photocopiers and laser printers to attract toner particles to paper.