electromotive force

noun, Electricity

the energy available for conversion from nonelectric to electric form, or vice versa, per unit of charge passing through the source of the energy; the potential difference between the terminals of a source of electrical energy: expressed in volts.

Abbreviation: emf.

Also called pressure.

Origin

1825-35

British Dictionary definitions for electromotive force

electromotive force

noun

(physics)

a source of energy that can cause a current to flow in an electrical circuit or device
the rate at which energy is drawn from this source when unit current flows through the circuit or device, measured in volts Abbreviation emf, EMF, E Compare potential difference

electromotive force in Medicine

electromotive force e·lec·tro·mo·tive force (ĭ-lěk'trō-mō'tĭv)
n.
Abbr. EMF
The energy per unit charge that is reversibly converted from chemical or other forms of energy into electrical energy in a battery.

electromotive force in Science

electromotive force
Electric potential or voltage. Electromotive force is not really a force, but a measure of how much work would be done by moving an electric charge.