conductance

noun

con·​duc·​tance kən-ˈdək-tən(t)s 

1

: conducting power

2

: the readiness with which a conductor transmits an electric current expressed as the reciprocal of electrical resistance

Examples of conductance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other physiological processes, such as our breathing rate and skin conductance levels, may also line up with those of other people. —Quanta Magazine, 28 Mar. 2024

This enabled them to directly detect the piezoelectricity induced by friction by measuring the A/C conductance. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 5 Dec. 2023

Even today’s advanced methods are slow to react to changes in chip temperature when compared to a thermal transistor, which can switch heat conductance on and off as quickly as 1 megahertz. 4. —IEEE Spectrum, 26 Dec. 2023

Molecular motion also can’t achieve as large a difference in thermal conductance between the on state and the off state. —IEEE Spectrum, 13 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

conduct entry 1 + -ance

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

conductance

noun

con·​duc·​tance kən-ˈdək-tən(t)s 

1

: conducting power

2

: the readiness with which a conductor carries an electric current that is expressed as the reciprocal of electrical resistance

Medical Definition

conductance

noun

con·​duc·​tance kən-ˈdək-tən(t)s 

1

: the power, readiness, or capacity to conduct something

neural conductance

changes in membrane conductance to ions

2

: the readiness with which a conductor transmits an electric current expressed as the reciprocal of electrical resistance