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 /

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

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

Etymology

Origin of superconductivity

First recorded in 1915–20; super- + conductivity

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

superconductivity

Understanding how the two waves appear and coexist could provide clues about the more complicated phase transitions involved in superconductivity and other unusual electronic states.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 20, 2026

Cuprates are already known for exhibiting superconductivity at relatively high temperatures, but their chemical structure is difficult to modify once they have been manufactured.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 17, 2026

"Instead of searching for entirely new materials or manipulating the chemical properties of existing ones, we are now showing how superconductivity can be enhanced by sculpting the substrate," says Lombardi.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 17, 2026

Strong magnetic fields can weaken or even eliminate superconductivity.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 17, 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 Norman F. Joly