conductivity

American  

[kon-duhk-tiv-i-tee] / ˌkɒn dʌkˈtɪv ɪ ti /

noun

• conductivities
  plural

1. Physics. the property or power of conducting heat, electricity, or sound.

2. Also called specific conductance.  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

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conductivity British  

/ ˌkɒndʌkˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. Also called: conduction.  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. Formerly called: specific conductance.  in the case of a solution, the electrolytic conductivity is the current density divided by the electric field strength, measured in siemens per metre

3. See thermal conductivity

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conductivity Scientific  

/ kŏn′dŭk-tĭv′ĭ-tē /

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

2. See conductance

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• conductivities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of conductivity

First recorded in 1830–40; conductive + -ity

Explanation

A material's conductivity is the extent that it allows an electric current to flow through it. Metal generally has high conductivity. In physics, the noun conductivity is used for the rate or degree that electricity, heat, or sound travels through something. So materials with high conductivity allow heat to flow quickly and completely through them. These substances are also known as conductors. Both words are rooted in the Latin conducere, "to lead or bring together."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

conductivity conductivities

For example, graphene and molybdenum dioxide nanoparticles are commonly used in gas sensors because their electrical conductivity changes when they absorb gases.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026

Tesla has been a leader in this trend, for instance, securing patents on aluminum alloys with high electrical conductivity External link.

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

It does have some more engineering problems than copper, including poorer conductivity, corrosion, and brittleness.

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

This research helps explain the molecular basis of phosphoric acid's remarkable proton conductivity, often described as "Nature's proton highway."

From Science Daily ● Apr. 7, 2026

It can’t be controlled voluntarily, as can skin conductivity, respiration, and cardiac rate.”

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

"The present findings of high conductivities and unique ion migration mechanisms in Ba7Nb3.8Mo1.2O20.1 will help the development of science and engineering of oxide-ion, proton, and dual-ion conductors," concludes a hopeful Prof. Yashima.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 17, 2023

After screening various Ba7Nb4-xMo1+xO20+x/2 compositions, the team found that Ba7Nb3.8Mo1.2O20.1 had remarkable proton and oxide-ion conductivities.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 17, 2023

The process involves changing the electrical conductivities of semiconductors such as silicon by adding impurities.

From Nature ● Jan. 21, 2020

The thermal conductivities of the pavements are the same.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

"Well, you are a lot of weak-kneed ... conductivities," said Fenwick, feeling for the word.

From Somehow Good by William Frend De Morgan

Related Words

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