conductivity
Americannoun
-
Physics. the property or power of conducting heat, electricity, or sound.
-
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
noun
-
Also called: conduction. the property of transmitting heat, electricity, or sound
-
κ.
-
a measure of the ability of a substance to conduct electricity; the reciprocal of resistivity
-
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
-
Other Word Forms
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."
Vocabulary lists containing conductivity
Lead the Way: Duc and Duct
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
ACT Vocabulary List
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Chemistry - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
In this state, gas becomes ionized, meaning electrons and ions move freely and create unique properties such as electrical conductivity.
From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026
As electrical conductivity rose, thermal conductivity dropped, and vice versa.
From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 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
In these systems, the scrolls could both reinforce materials and improve conductivity.
From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
