superconductivity

American  

[soo-per-kon-duhk-tiv-i-tee] / ˌsu pərˌkɒn dəkˈtɪv ɪ ti /

noun

Physics.

1. 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.

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superconductivity British  

/ ˌsuːpəˌkɒndʌkˈtɪvɪtɪ, ˌsuːpəkənˈdʌkʃən /

noun

1. 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

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superconductivity Scientific  

/ so̅o̅′pər-kŏn′dŭk-tĭv′ĭ-tē /

1. 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).

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superconductivity ¹ Cultural  

1. 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.

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superconductivity ² Cultural  

1. 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.

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Discover More

Formerly, materials showed superconductivity only near absolute zero, but new materials have been found that are superconducting at much higher temperatures.

Other Word Forms

• superconducting adjective
• superconduction noun
• superconductive adjective
• superconductor noun

Etymology

Origin of superconductivity

First recorded in 1915–20; super- + conductivity

Example Sentences

This system, known as a Fermi gas, lets scientists replace electrons with atoms so they can study superconductivity in a highly controlled environment.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

For the first time, researchers have directly visualized the quantum behavior that drives superconductivity, a state in which paired electrons allow electricity to flow with zero resistance at very low temperatures.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

Working with collaborators at UMD and NIST, Nevidomskyy helped map how this high-field superconductivity changes with direction.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

Even relatively modest fields tend to weaken superconductivity, while stronger ones usually eliminate it entirely once a critical limit is reached.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

Recent experiments in superconductivity, using ceramic instead metal conductors have given us an exciting glimpse into what might be achieved for improving efficiency in the distribution of electric power.

From The Dawn of Amateur Radio in the U.K. and Greece: a personal view by Joly, Norman F.