A subtle, imponderable, all-pervading fluid that was formerly thought to be the cause of electrical phenomena. Also figurative. Compare earlier "electric fire".
Origin
Mid 18th century. From electric + fluid.
Definition of electric fluid in US English:
electric fluid
nounɪˌlɛktrɪk ˈfluːɪd
historical
A subtle, imponderable, all-pervading fluid that was formerly thought to be the cause of electrical phenomena. Also figurative. Compare earlier "electric fire".