An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The force, analogous to a pressure, which maintains a flow of electricity through a closed circuit. It is the algebraic sum of the → potential differences acting in the circuit. The unit of electromotive force is the → volt.

Etymology (EN): From → electro- + motive, from M.E., from M.Fr., from
O.Fr. motif, from M.L. motivus “moving, impelling,” from L. motus, p.p. of movere “to move,” → motion; → force.

Etymology (PE): Niru, → force; barqrân, literally “driving electricity,” from barq, → electro- + rân present stem of rândan, → drive.