superconductivity
[ soo-per-kon-duh k-tiv-i-tee ]
/ ˌsu pərˌkɒn dəkˈtɪv ɪ ti /
noun Physics.
the phenomenon of almost perfect conductivity shown by certain substances at temperatures approaching absolute zero. The recent discovery of materials that are superconductive at temperatures hundreds of degrees above absolute zero raises the possibility of revolutionary developments in the production and transmission of electrical energy.
Nearby words
supercoil, supercollider, supercolumnar, supercolumniation, supercomputer, superconductivity, superconductor, supercontinent, supercool, supercow, supercrat
Origin of superconductivity
Related forms
su·per·con·duc·tion [soo-per-kuh n-duhk-shuh n] /ˌsu pər kənˈdʌk ʃən/, nounsu·per·con·duc·tive [soo-per-kuh n-duhk-tiv] /ˌsu pər kənˈdʌk tɪv/, su·per·con·duct·ing, adjectivesu·per·con·duc·tor [soo-per-kuh n-duhk-ter] /ˌsu pər kənˈdʌk tər/, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for superconductivity
superconductivity
/ (ˌsuːpəˌkɒndʌkˈtɪvɪtɪ) /
noun
physics the property of certain substances that have no electrical resistance. In metals it occurs at very low temperatures, but higher temperature superconductivity occurs in some ceramic materials
Derived Forms
superconduction (ˌsuːpəkənˈdʌkʃən), nounsuperconductive or superconducting, adjectivesuperconductor, nounCollins 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 superconductivity
superconductivity
[ sōō′pər-kŏn′dŭk-tĭv′ĭ-tē ]
The ability of certain metals or alloys to conduct an electric current with almost no resistance. Superconductivity usually occurs close to absolute zero, at temperatures approaching -459.67°F (-273.15°C), but has also been observed at temperatures as high as -200°F (-128.88°C).
Related forms
superconductor nounThe American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Culture definitions for superconductivity (1 of 2)
superconductivity
[ (sooh-puhr-kon-duk-tiv-uh-tee) ]
A property of some materials in which their electrical resistance drops to zero, and they acquire the ability to carry electric current (see also current) with no loss of energy whatsoever. Formerly, materials developed superconductivity only at temperatures near absolute zero, but new materials have been found that remain superconductive at temperatures above those of liquid nitrogen. The goal of current research is to find a material that remains superconductive at room temperature.
Culture definitions for superconductivity (2 of 2)
superconductivity
[ (sooh-puhr-kon-duk-tiv-uh-tee) ]
A property of materials by which their electrical resistance goes to zero, and they acquire the ability to carry electric current (see also current) with no losses whatsoever.
Note
Formerly, materials showed superconductivity only near absolute zero, but new materials have been found that are superconducting at much higher temperatures.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.