static electricity
nounUK /ˌstætɪk ɪˈlektrɪsɪti/
US /ˌstætɪk ɪˈlektrɪsəti/
Static electricity is a little electric charge that builds up on things and can make a small zap or spark.
When I rubbed the balloon on my hair, static electricity made my hair stick up.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Electric charge that stays in one place on an object instead of flowing like a current.
The static electricity on the doorknob gave me a tiny shock.
3. The branch of science that studies electric charges at rest.
In science class we learned about static electricity and how charges build up.
4. A crackling or clinging effect caused by built-up electric charge.
Static electricity made the plastic wrap stick to my hand.