electromotive force

noun

elec·​tro·​mo·​tive force i-ˌlek-trō-ˌmō-tiv- 

-trə-

: something that moves or tends to move electricity

especially : the apparent force that drives a current around an electrical circuit and that is equivalent to the potential difference between the terminals of the circuit

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

electromotive force

noun

elec·​tro·​mo·​tive force i-ˌlek-trə-ˌmōt-iv- 

: the work per unit charge required to carry a positive charge around a closed circuit in an electric field

—abbreviation emf

Medical Definition

electromotive force

noun

elec·​tro·​mo·​tive force i-ˌlek-trō-ˌmōt-iv-, -trə- 

: something that moves or tends to move electricity : the potential difference derived from an electrical source (as a cell or generator) per unit quantity of electricity passing through the source