capacitance

ca·pac·i·tance

noun \kə-ˈpa-sə-tən(t)s\

Definition of CAPACITANCE

1

a : the property of an electric nonconductor that permits the storage of energy as a result of the separation of charge that occurs when opposite surfaces of the nonconductor are maintained at a difference of potential

b : the measure of this property that is equal to the ratio of the charge on either surface to the potential difference between the surfaces

2

: a part of a circuit or network that possesses capacitance

— ca·pac·i·tive \-ˈpa-sə-tiv\ adjective

— ca·pac·i·tive·ly adverb

Origin of CAPACITANCE

capacity

First Known Use: 1893

ca·pac·i·tance

noun \kə-ˈpas-ət-ən(t)s\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CAPACITANCE

1

a : the property of an electric nonconductor that permits the storage of energy as a result of the separation of charge occurring when opposite surfaces of the nonconductor are maintained at a difference of potential b : the measure of this property equal to the ratio of the charge on either surface to the potential difference between the surfaces

2

: a part of a circuit or network that possesses capacitance

capacitance

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Property of a pair of electric conductors separated by a nonconducting material (such as air) that permits storage of electric energy by the separation of electric charge, and that is measured by the amount of separated charge that can be stored per unit of electric potential between the conductors. If electric charge is transferred between two initially uncharged conductors, they become equally (but oppositely) charged. A potential difference is set up between them and some of the electricity can be stored. Capacitance C is the ratio of the amount of charge q on one of the conductors to the potential difference V between the conductors, or C = q/V. The unit of capacitance is coulombs per volt (C/V), or farads (F).