electro-, electr-, electri-

(Greek > Latin: electric, electricity; from amber, resembling amber, generated from amber which when rubbed vigorously [as by friction], produced the effect of static electricity)

Electronics in our lives consists of numerous tools

Equipment which we use everyday relies on electronics to function including calculators, car controls, cameras, washing machines, medical scanners, mobile telephones, radar systems, computers; as well as many other applications or devices which are listed in this unit.

electrovagogram, vagogram (s) (noun); electrovagograms; vagograms (pl)
1. A record of the electric changes occurring in the vagus nerve: The technician, Mr. Jackson, studied the electrovagogram of the patient before conferring with Dr. Smith.

The vagogram shows how the vagus nerve supplies nerve fibers to the pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), lungs, heart, esophagus, and the intestinal tract as far as the transverse portion of the colon. This nerve also brings sensory information back to the brain from the ear, tongue, pharynx, and larynx.

2. Etymology: from Latin vagus, "wandering" and it is appropriate because the vagus nerve wanders all the way down from the brainstem to the colon, which is a long wandering way.
electrovalence
1. The ionic linkage between atoms in which each accepts or donates electrons so that every atom ends up with a completed electron shell.
2. The combining power of an element, measured by the number of electrons one atom of it acquires from or transfers to another atom during the formation of a chemical compound.
3. The number of electrons which an atom tends to lose or to accept by transfer in a chemical reaction.
4. The number of positive or negative charges that an atom acquires by transferring its electrons to another atom to form a compound.

This is the chemical bond that results from such a process; an ionic bond.

electrovalent
1. Relating to or a reference to an electrovalence or to an electrovalent bond or an ionic bond.
2. The number of charges an atom acquires in a chemical reaction by a gain or a loss of electrons and the bonding resulting from such a transfer of electrons.
electroversion
1. A procedure for restoring normal, efficient rhythm to a heart with an irregular beat by passing an electric current through it.
2. The termination or ending of an arrhythmia (irregularity in the rhythm of the heartbeat) with a counter electric shock.
3. In extreme cases of paroxysmal tachycardia (a sudden, abnormal intensity and rapid beating of the heart), a procedure in which an electric shock is administered directly to a patient's heart while he or she is under a mild anesthetic.
electrovert
To terminate an arrhythmia of the heart with a counter shock of electricity.
electrovibratory massage
A massage that is performed with an electric vibrator.
electroviscous effect
1. A change in a liquid's viscosity (resistance of a fluid to flow) caused by a strong electrostatic field.
2. The change in viscosity of a liquid when placed in a strong electrostatic field.

The effect is very small and occurs only in polar liquids.

electro-vitalism
The theory that the functions of living organisms are dependent upon electricity or a related force.
electroweak interaction
One of the three basic forces of nature, along with the strong nuclear interaction and the gravitational interaction.

The terms "force" and "interaction between particles" are used interchangeably in this context.

All of the known forces; such as, atomic, nuclear, chemical, or mechanical forces, are examples of one of the three basic interactions.

electrowin
To recover, as metals from their ores, by electrodeposition.
electrowinning
The extraction of electrolytic metal from a solution of molten salt or by electrochemical processes.
electrum
1. A natural or artificial alloy of gold with at least 20% silver, used to make the first known coins in the Western world.
2. Etymology: from Latin electrum, "amber"; from which the term electron is derived.
Elektrion process
1. A method of condensation and polymerization in which a light mineral oil and fatty oil mixture is exposed to an electric discharge in a hydrogen atmosphere, yielding a viscous oil.
2. A process of condensation and polymerization in which a mixture of a relatively light mineral oil and a fatty oil is subjected to an electric discharge in an atmosphere of hydrogen.

The product is a very viscous oil (thick and sticky, reluctant to flow, and difficult to stir) used for blending with lighter lubricating oils.

esophageal electrode, esophageal pill electrode
1. A electrode placed in the esophagus to obtain electrocardiographic records from this region or used for electrical pacemaking.
2. A pill electrode that lodges in the esophagus at the level of the atrium to obtain electrograms and to deliver pacing stimuli.
exploring electrode
In electrodiagnosis, the electrode, usually small, placed nearest to the site of the bioelectric activity being recorded.

It determines the potential in only that localized area.

The references or sources of information for compiling the words and definitions in this unit are listed at this Electronic Bibliography page or specific sources are indicated when they are appropriate.


A cross reference of word units that are related, directly and/or indirectly, with "electricity": galvano-; hodo-; ion-; piezo-; -tron; volt; biomechatronics, info; mechatronics, info.