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it seems to have the meaning of "get an electric shock" in common contemporary use.
But I understand that the term was originally created to mean Electrical" "Execution When the Electric Chair was introduced in the US it was claimed for many years that it was painless and instantaneous death and so was a humane method.
But I understand that the term was originally created to mean Electrical" "Execution When the Electric Chair was introduced in the US it was claimed for many years that it was painless and instantaneous death and so was a humane method.
P
Paul_C
The Concise Oxford English Dictionary, 1977 edition says:
electrocute v.t. Kill by electricity (as capital punishment); cause death of (person etc.) by electricity in any way; hence electrocution n. [from ELECTRO- after execute]
electrocute v.t. Kill by electricity (as capital punishment); cause death of (person etc.) by electricity in any way; hence electrocution n. [from ELECTRO- after execute]
P
Paul_C
There's a problem with widespread misuse of a word resulting it becoming an accepted definition in dictionaries though.
A lot of people refer to socket outlets as plugs, a lot of people refer to an MCB as a fuse, a lot of people call 8P8C modular connectors for computer networks RJ45 plugs, and so on. I hope that any reputable dictionary if noting any of those common usages would note that they are incorrect terminology though.
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So should we go back to using "lavatory" to mean somewhere you have a wash?
They called a hand-basin that because of what they used to do in it...
So, here we are, straight from the Oxford English Dictionary Online:
So, you can be electrocuted, but not be killed, just injured.
End of.
So, you can be electrocuted, but not be killed, just injured.
End of.
P
Paul_C
Look in any American plumbing supply catalog and you'll find that they are still called lavatory basins. Latin: lavare, to wash (hence French laver etc.).
I wonder when the OED made that change then.
I notice this entry for "plug" too:
http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/plug
At least they've marked it "informal," but not that it's incorrect.
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What's the difference between a Buffalo and a Bison?
You can't wash your hands in a buffalo...
Sorry
You can't wash your hands in a buffalo...
Sorry
ah but the height off the floor was determined by something completely different (ladies don't try this at home!!)
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