What word would we use to describe what Lyra calls "anbaric"?

Question

colourful
amber
powerful
electric

Answer 1

"Anbaric Current - a form of electric current, used in Lyra's world. From Pullman: "I looked up the word electric, and I found that it came from the Greek word for amber. The Greeks knew that if they rubbed a piece of amber, they could create static electricity. Then I looked up the word amber, and found it came from the Arabic word anbar." "

"Anbaric Forges - used in the ordnance factories under Lord Asriel's fortress. Anbaric Park - Mentioned on pg. 20 of Book I, this is probably some sort of industrial complex, or perhaps a power plant."

"Anbarology - The study of Anbaric current, or electricity."

"Anbaromagnetic Readings - presumably electromagnetic readings- what Lyra claims she would be able to help with when the gyptians go to the North."

"The Encyclopaedia", His Dark Materials : http://www.bridgetothestars.net/index.php?d=encyclopaedia&p=a

Answer 2

If you're referring to the world of "His Dark Materials" by Philip Pullman, then "anbaric" is electric (e.g., anbaric current is electric current.) Please see 1st link below.

Philip Pullman coined the word after researching into the etymology of the word "electric." He found out that it has its roots from the Greek word "elektron," meaning amber (see 2nd link.) The Greeks knew that static electricity is created by rubbing amber (the translucent fossil resin, and not the color.) Following that lead, he looked up the etymology for the word "amber," and found that it came from the Arabic word "anbar." Thus, linking the two seemingly disparate ideas together, "electric" became "anbaric." For further proof, please see 3rd link.
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