conductivity

[ kon-duhk-tiv-i-tee ]

noun

, plural con·duc·tiv·i·ties.

1. Physics. the property or power of conducting heat, electricity, or sound.
2. Also called spe·cif·ic con·duct·ance [spi-, sif, -ik k, uh, n-, duhk, -t, uh, ns]. Electricity. a measure of the ability of a given substance to conduct electric current, equal to the reciprocal of the resistance of the substance. : σ

conductivity

/ ˌkɒndʌkˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. Also calledconduction the property of transmitting heat, electricity, or sound
2. κ
   1. a measure of the ability of a substance to conduct electricity; the reciprocal of resistivity
   2. in the case of a solution, the electrolytic conductivity is the current density divided by the electric field strength, measured in siemens per metre Formerly calledspecific conductance
3. See thermal conductivity

conductivity

/ kŏn′dŭk-tĭv′ĭ-tē /

1. The ability to transfer heat, electricity, or sound by conduction.
2. See conductance

Word History and Origins

Origin of conductivity¹

First recorded in 1830–40; conductive + -ity

Example Sentences

When this molecule interacts with its intended target—which can be a strand of DNA, an antibody, or any of a number of other biologically relevant molecules—its electrical conductivity changes.

From MIT Technology Review

Graphene has all kinds of interesting properties, one of which is excellent conductivity.

From Singularity Hub 

The researchers found that certain configurations of hydrogen ions could create patterns of conductivity that replicated a variety of different electronic components.

From Singularity Hub 

Delocalized electrons don’t just explain metals’ conductivity.

From Science News For Students

Moreover, they were able to measure the superionic ice’s structure and electrical conductivity.

From Popular-Science

The difference in conductivity between pure water and sulphuric acid is such a fact, mentioned by Clausius.

From Project Gutenberg

For the purpose of comparison the activity and the conductivity of molar hydrochloric acid are both represented by 100.

From Project Gutenberg

The conductivity of a solution, like that of a metal conductor, is the reciprocal of its resistance.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, the current indicated by the ammeter is a closely approximate measure of the conductivity of the solution.

From Project Gutenberg

As a matter of experience, the conductivity of a given quantity of an acid or other ionogen does tend toward a limit.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dynamism
• electricity
• heat
• potential
• service
• strength