impedance
Americannoun
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Electricity. the total opposition to alternating current by an electric circuit, equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of the resistance and reactance of the circuit and usually expressed in ohms. Z
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Also called mechanical impedance. Physics. the ratio of the force on a system undergoing simple harmonic motion to the velocity of the particles in the system.
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something that impedes; an obstacle or hindrance.
noun
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Z. a measure of the opposition to the flow of an alternating current equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of the resistance and the reactance, expressed in ohms
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a component that offers impedance
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Also called: acoustic impedance, Za. the ratio of the sound pressure in a medium to the rate of alternating flow of the medium through a specified surface due to the sound wave
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Also called: mechanical impedance, Zm. the ratio of the mechanical force, acting in the direction of motion, to the velocity of the resulting vibration
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A measure of the opposition to the flow of alternating current through a circuit. Impedance is measured in ohms. The resistance of a circuit to direct current (also measured in ohms) is generally not the same as its impedance, due to the effects of capacitance and induction in and among the components of the circuit.
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See also impedance matching
Discover More
The term impedance is most often encountered in dealing with antennas and speakers in television, stereo, and radio systems.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of impedance
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
To evaluate changes in body composition, the researchers used bioelectrical impedance analysis.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 9, 2026
Pulse wave velocity was measured by impedance cardiography, while carotid intima-media thickness and carotid artery distensibility were measured by carotid ultrasonography.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 5, 2024
Then there are people whose acid reflux is severe, as measured by the pH impedance study, and despite taking PPIs correctly, still experience painful, breakthrough heartburn.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 27, 2023
But before I get into it, you should always take any measurements taken with bioelectric impedance analysis with grounded skepticism.
From The Verge ● Sep. 7, 2022
The composite telephone sets are bridged from the line to ground at any points between the terminal impedance coils.
From Cyclopedia of Telephony and Telegraphy, Vol. 2 A General Reference Work on Telephony, etc. etc. by Samuel McMeen
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