dielectric

American  

[dahy-i-lek-trik] / ˌdaɪ ɪˈlɛk trɪk /

noun

1. a nonconducting substance; insulator.

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

---

adjective

1. of or relating to a dielectric substance.

dielectric British  

/ ˌdaɪɪˈlɛktrɪk /

noun

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

2. a substance or body of very low electrical conductivity; insulator

---

adjective

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

dielectric Scientific  

/ dī′ĭ-lĕk′trĭk /

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

---

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

dielectric Cultural  

1. 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.)

---

Other Word Forms

• dielectrically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of dielectric

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dielectric

More importantly, the devices demonstrated a combination that has been difficult to achieve in atomically thin transistors: very thin dielectric scaling, strong electrostatic control, and sustained carrier transport.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 9, 2026

Their surfaces do not contain dangling bonds, which makes it difficult to grow an extremely thin dielectric film evenly across them.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 9, 2026

The team developed what they call the singular dispersion equation, a new theoretical framework showing that light can be confined to extraordinarily small scales using lossless dielectric materials instead of metals.

From Science Daily ● May 21, 2026

Using this concept, the team designed and experimentally demonstrated a three dimensional singular dielectric resonator capable of confining light below the diffraction limit in all three spatial dimensions.

From Science Daily ● May 21, 2026

By approaching a dielectric, the specific inductive capacity of the space between the spheres is increased, producing the same effect as if the capacity of the spheres were increased.

From The inventions, researches and writings of Nikola Tesla With special reference to his work in polyphase currents and high potential lighting by Thomas Commerford Martin