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triboelectric

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌtraɪboʊɪˈlɛktrɪk/

KK: /traɪbioʊɪˈlɛktrɪk/

adjective
Definition

Relating to the generation of electric charge through friction between different materials.


Example

The triboelectric effect can be observed when you rub a balloon on your hair.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of triboelectric charging?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's when materials gain an electric charge through friction, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! I find it fascinating how simple actions can create electricity.
Sloth B
It really is cool; I didn't realize it was so common in everyday life.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
frictional
electrified
static
Antonyms
neutral
uncharged
nonconductive
Root Explanation

Triboelectric → It is formed from "tribo-" (from Greek "tribein", meaning to rub) and "electric" (from Greek "ēlektron", meaning amber, which is associated with electricity). The word describes electricity generated by rubbing materials together.

Memory Tip

Think of 'rubbing' ('tribo-') materials to create 'electricity' ('electric') — that's how triboelectricity is generated.

Visually Confused Words
proelectric
isoelectric
vitreoelectric
thermoelectric
stereoelectric
resinoelectric
actinoelectric
pyroelectric
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