dielectric

[ dahy-i-lek-trik ]

/ ˌdaɪ ɪˈlɛk trɪk /

Electricity

noun

a nonconducting substance; insulator.

a substance in which an electric field can be maintained with a minimum loss of power.

adjective

of or relating to a dielectric substance.

Nearby words

diefenbaker, dieffenbachia, diegesis, diel, dieldrin, dielectric, dielectric constant, dielectric heating, dielectric lens, dielectric loss, dielectric strength

Origin of dielectric

First recorded in 1830–40; di-³ + electric

Related forms

di·e·lec·tri·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for dielectric

(γ) The solenoidal distribution of C and B, and in a dielectric that of D.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 16, Slice 5|Various
The following is an example of the division of a charge by the two apparatus, air being the dielectric in both of them.
Experimental Researches in Electricity, Volume 1|Michael Faraday
Dielectric, dī-e-lek′trik, adj. non-conducting: transmitting electric effects without conducting.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D)|Various
He then showed by experiment the difference between a steady and a rapidly varying force upon the dielectric.
The inventions, researches and writings of Nikola Tesla|Thomas Commerford Martin

One coating of the condenser is formed by one set of tubes and the other by the other set, the air between being the dielectric.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 16, Slice 5|Various

British Dictionary definitions for dielectric

dielectric

/ (ˌdaɪɪˈlɛktrɪk) /

noun

a substance or medium that can sustain a static electric field within it

a substance or body of very low electrical conductivity; insulator

adjective

of, concerned with, or having the properties of a dielectric

Derived Forms

dielectrically, adverb

Word Origin for dielectric

from dia- + electric

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Science definitions for dielectric

dielectric

[ dī′ĭ-lĕk′trĭk ]

Adjective

Having little or no ability to conduct electricity, generally as a result of having no electrons that are free to move.

Noun

A dielectric substance, especially one used in a capacitor to maintain an electric field between the plates.

Culture definitions for dielectric

dielectric

[ (deye-i-lek-trik) ]

A material that conducts (see conduction) electricity poorly or not at all. If a voltage is applied to a dielectric, the atoms in the material arrange themselves in such a way as to oppose the flow of electric current (see also current). Glass, wood, and plastic are common dielectrics. (See insulator.)