1. A large conducting body, such as the earth, that is taken to be the arbitrary zero in the scale of electric potential.
2. A connection, which may be accidental, between a conductor and the earth. An effective earth for electrical equipment is formed by a wire connected to a cold water pipe. Connection may also be made to an earth electrode, i.e. a large copper plate buried in moist soil.
3. The point or portion in an electric circuit or device that is at zero potential with respect to earth.
4. To connect an electric circuit or device to earth.