conductivity

noun

con·​duc·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌkän-ˌdək-ˈti-və-tē 

kən-

plural conductivities

: the quality or power of conducting or transmitting: such as

a

: the reciprocal of electrical resistivity

b

: the quality of living matter responsible for the transmission of and progressive reaction to stimuli

Examples of conductivity in a Sentence

measuring the conductivity of different metals

Recent Examples on the Web

Some material is removed through etching, and some elements are added to change the electrical conductivity. —Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 24 Sep. 2024

Thermal Management: While gallium oxide can operate at higher temperatures than silicon, its thermal conductivity is actually lower. —Matthew Putman, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

Railway and power companies are replacing some copper wire with aluminum or copper-manganese alloy wires, but nothing matches copper’s conductivity and resistance to corrosion. —Vince Beiser, WIRED, 22 Aug. 2024

With better heat conductivity, copper is a go-to choice for many chefs. —Molly Allen, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

conductive + -ity

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

conductivity

noun

con·​duc·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌkän-ˌdək-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

kən-

plural conductivities

: the quality or power of conducting or transmitting

Medical Definition

conductivity

noun

con·​duc·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌkän-ˌdək-ˈtiv-ət-ē, kən- 

plural conductivities

: the quality or power of conducting or transmitting: as

a

: the reciprocal of electrical resistivity

b

: the quality of living matter responsible for the transmission of and progressive reaction to stimuli