You searched for: “static electricity
static electricity
1. Electricity generated with the friction of certain materials.
2. The separation of electrons by friction, which results in forces on charged bodies.

Combing the hair in dry weather causes it to separate because of this repelling force.

This entry is located in the following unit: electro-, electr-, electri- (page 100)
(Greek > Latin: electric, electricity; from amber, resembling amber, generated from amber which when rubbed vigorously [as by friction], produced the effect of static electricity)