energy

energy [en′ər jē]

n.

pl. energies [LL energia < Gr energeia < energēs, active, at work < en-, in + ergon, WORK]

1. force of expression or utterance

2.

a) potential forces; inherent power; capacity for vigorous action

b) [often pl.] such forces or power, esp. in action [to apply all one's energies]

3. strength or power efficiently exerted

4.

a) those resources, as petroleum, coal, gas, wind, nuclear fuel, and sunlight, from which energy in the form of electricity, heat, etc. can be produced

b) the available supply of such usable resources [an energy shortage]

5. Physics the capacity for doing work: abbrev. E: see MATTER (sense 2)

SYN.- STRENGTH