conductivity

[kon-duhk-tiv-i-tee]

noun

plural

conductivities 

1. Physics.,  the property or power of conducting heat, electricity, or sound.

2. Also called specific conductance. Electricity.,  a measure of the ability of a given substance to conduct electric current, equal to the reciprocal of the resistance of the substance. σ

conductivity

/ ˌkɒndʌkˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. Also called: conduction. the property of transmitting heat, electricity, or sound

2. κ. 

   1. a measure of the ability of a substance to conduct electricity; the reciprocal of resistivity

   2. Formerly called: specific conductance. in the case of a solution, the electrolytic conductivity is the current density divided by the electric field strength, measured in siemens per metre

3. See thermal conductivity

conductivity

1. The ability to transfer heat, electricity, or sound by conduction.

2. See conductance

Word History and Origins

Origin of conductivity¹

First recorded in 1830–40; conductive + -ity

Example Sentences

Solar and wind power depend heavily on copper due to its high conductivity – and Peru is the world's second-largest producer.

From BBC

One of the most exciting findings was a dramatic increase in diamond surface conductivity -- up to seven times higher -- after laser treatment.

From Science Daily

But why is the conductivity of the conventional perovskite-type proton conductors so low?

From Science Daily

Since its discovery in 2004, the material -- a single layer of carbon atoms -- has been touted for its host of unique properties, which include ultra-high electrical conductivity and remarkable tensile strength.

From Science Daily

However, MOFs typically exhibit low thermal conductivity, making them poor thermal conductors.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• dynamism 
• electricity 
• heat 
• potential 
• service 
• strength