What is the term for a path of electricity that goes from its source, along a route, and back to its original source?

The term defined in the question refers to a continuous path for electrical flow. A complete circuit is characterized by having both a source of electricity (such as a battery or power supply) and a return path, allowing the electric current to flow uninterrupted. This setup ensures that electricity can move from its source, go through various components (like lights or motors), and then return to the source.

In contrast, a closed circuit is often used synonymously with a complete circuit, but it typically emphasizes the physical connections being intact and properly allowing current to flow. An open circuit is one that has a break in the path, stopping the flow of electricity, while a partial circuit might suggest that it does not complete the return path properly, which would also disrupt electron flow. Therefore, the most accurate and comprehensive term that describes the pathway for electricity described in the question is a "complete circuit."