positive energyn.
/ˌpɒzᵻtɪv ˈɛnədʒi/, U.S. /ˌpɑzədɪv ˈɛnərdʒi/, /ˌpɑztɪv ˈɛnərdʒi/ 1. Physics. Energy which is regarded as positive in quantity or magnitude; (in later use) spec. energy associated with ordinary matter, as opposed to that associated with exotic matter (cf. negative energy n. 1).In early use chiefly denoting the capacity to attract a negative electric charge and to repel a positive electric charge.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > energy or power of doing work > [noun] > specific types of energy
internal energy1654
positive energy1807
chemical energy1809
energy1852
potential energy1853
atomic energy1854
latent energy1854
static energy1869
free energy1884
rest energy1925
nuclear energy1958
radial energy1959
tangential energy1959
geothermal1960
dark energy1998
quintessence1998
1807 H. Davy in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 97 33 The body possessing the positive energy being repelled by positively electrified surfaces, and attracted by negatively electrical surfaces; and the body possessing the negative energy following the contrary order.
1853 W. Gregory Handbk. Inorg. Chem. (ed. 3) 63 It is not easy to see how the iodine..should quit one atom of potassium to unite with another, unless the latter be supposed to have, for the moment, superior positive energy.
1931 Proc. Royal Soc. A. 133 228 The emission of α-particles by radio active nuclei is to be explained by the assumption that there exists in the nucleus a ‘virtual’ level of positive energy, which is occupied by an α-particle.
1969 A. L. Fetter & P. C. Hohenberg in R. D. Parks Superconductivity II. 828 The vortex structure implies a positive energy ε1, per unit length associated with the formation of a flux line.
2002 New Scientist 25 May 11/3 Predicted by quantum theory, ghost radiation is a negative energy field that dampens normal positive energy.
2. Energy (in various senses) which is regarded as beneficial, encouraging, or productive. Now esp.: positive feeling; optimism, enthusiasm; (in certain Eastern religions, New Age philosophy, etc.) a favourable or benevolent form of spiritual or ethereal energy.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > hope > optimism > [noun]
optimism1812
positive energy1830
1830 Life & Corr. J. P. Jones 553 The very defects of his education, and even of his temper, were advantages to a cause where positive energy was invoked.
1880 Milwaukee (Wisconsin) Daily Sentinel 23 Dec. 2/1 The Superintendent is a man of positive energy, of mechanical and architectural skill.
1930 Mason City (Iowa) Globe-Gaz. 18 Feb. 6/1 Even the most phlegmatic of individuals could not help sensing the positive energy which the quartet evinced in its renditions.
1996 K. M. Lagatree Feng Shui (back cover) A mirror on the landing of the stairs can draw in positive energy and circulate it around your home for better luck.
2016 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 23 Apr. (Traveller section) 14 There was so much positive energy around the city, and the team seemed to tap into that.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2018; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
n.1807