anti-static

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Preventing or reducing the build-up of static electricity.

   Grammar: Usually used before a noun: anti-static spray, anti-static mat. It can also be used after a linking verb: 'The surface is anti-static.'

   Patterns

   • anti-static spray
   • anti-static wristband
   • anti-static bag
   • anti-static mat

   Wear an anti-static wristband when you handle computer parts.

   She sprayed anti-static spray on the carpet before the party.

   Anti-static bags protect sensitive electronics during shipping.

2. 2noununcountable

   A substance or treatment that prevents static electricity.

   Grammar: Uncountable when referring to the substance: 'Apply anti-static to the surface.'

   Patterns

   • apply anti-static
   • use anti-static

   The technician applied anti-static to the workbench.

   You can buy anti-static in a spray bottle.

Common combinations

anti-static wristband

Always wear an anti-static wristband when building a PC.

anti-static spray

Anti-static spray can reduce cling on clothes.

anti-static bag

Store the hard drive in an anti-static bag.

anti-static mat

Place the components on an anti-static mat.

Synonyms and how they differ

static-free

Describes a state without static; not necessarily preventing it.

conductive

Technical term for materials that allow electricity to flow, often used in anti-static contexts.

Opposites

Word family

antistatic adjective

Alternative spelling without a hyphen.

Commonly confused: anti-static or static?

Practice

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