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.

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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

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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.

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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.)

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• dielectrically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of dielectric

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

Example Sentences

As a result, the crystal behaves like a metal along one axis and like a dielectric material along the perpendicular axis, creating its exceptionally strong anisotropy.

From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 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

When a raindrop hits the dielectric film on top, the impact produces an electrical signal.

From Science Daily • Nov. 15, 2025

Maintaining the durability of large dielectric films in dynamic outdoor conditions will also require further engineering.

From Science Daily • Nov. 15, 2025

This gave the dielectric constant K of the material.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various