\E`lec*tric"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Electricities}. [Cf. F.
['e]lectricit['e]. See {Electric}.]
1. A power in nature, a manifestation of energy, exhibiting
   itself when in disturbed equilibrium or in activity by a
   circuit movement, the fact of direction in which involves
   polarity, or opposition of properties in opposite
   directions; also, by attraction for many substances, by a
   law involving attraction between surfaces of unlike
   polarity, and repulsion between those of like; by
   exhibiting accumulated polar tension when the circuit is
   broken; and by producing heat, light, concussion, and
   often chemical changes when the circuit passes between the
   poles or through any imperfectly conducting substance or
   space. It is generally brought into action by any
   disturbance of molecular equilibrium, whether from a
   chemical, physical, or mechanical, cause.
Note: Electricity is manifested under following different
      forms: (a)
{Statical electricity}, called also
{Frictional or Common}, {electricity}, electricity in the
   condition of a stationary charge, in which the disturbance
   is produced by friction, as of glass, amber, etc., or by
   induction. (b)
{Dynamical electricity}, called also
{Voltaic electricity}, electricity in motion, or as a current
   produced by chemical decomposition, as by means of a
   voltaic battery, or by mechanical action, as by
   dynamo-electric machines. (c)
{Thermoelectricity}, in which the disturbing cause is heat
   (attended possibly with some chemical action). It is
   developed by uniting two pieces of unlike metals in a bar,
   and then heating the bar unequally. (d)
{Atmospheric electricity}, any condition of electrical
   disturbance in the atmosphere or clouds, due to some or
   all of the above mentioned causes. (e)
{Magnetic electricity}, electricity developed by the action
   of magnets. (f)
{Positive electricity}, the electricity that appears at the
   positive pole or anode of a battery, or that is produced
   by friction of glass; -- called also {vitreous
   electricity}. (g)
{Negative electricity}, the electricity that appears at the
   negative pole or cathode, or is produced by the friction
   of resinous substance; -- called also resinous
   electricity. (h)
{Organic electricity}, that which is developed in organic
   structures, either animal or vegetable, the phrase animal
   electricity being much more common.
2. The science which unfolds the phenomena and laws of
   electricity; electrical science.
3. Fig.: Electrifying energy or characteristic.