capacitor

noun

ca·​pac·​i·​tor kə-ˈpa-sə-tər 

: a device that is used to store electrical energy

Examples of capacitor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That power would then charge an intermediate storage device, such as a capacitor or supercapacitor. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

Adding a capacitor means the pulse must last long enough to charge it first. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 30 Sep. 2026

To replace a dryer capacitor, unplug the appliance, remove the panels to access the capacitor, safely discharge it by touching the terminals with an insulated tool, unscrew the old capacitor, install a new one, and reassemble the dryer. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2026

Murata is the world's largest supplier of multilayer ceramic capacitors, tiny yet essential components that regulate power flow in electronic devices from Apple iPhones to Tesla cars. — Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

capacitor

noun

ca·​pac·​i·​tor kə-ˈpas-ət-ər 

: a device for storing electric charge

called also condenser

Medical Definition

capacitor

noun

ca·​pac·​i·​tor kə-ˈpas-ət-ər 

: a device giving capacitance and usually consisting of conducting plates or foils separated by thin layers of dielectric (as air or mica) with the plates on opposite sides of the dielectric layers oppositely charged by a source of voltage and the electrical energy of the charged system stored in the polarized dielectric