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

The science payload to be landed there includes seismometers, a drill to allow emplacement of heat flow and electrical conductivity probes, and instruments to study the magnetic field and surface weathering. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025

The aluminum core offers excellent heat conductivity while the steel surrounding it creates an evenly heated cooking surface that’s also less reactive to acidic ingredients. —Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025

In fact, its thermal conductivity is comparable to or better than some of the synthetic insulating materials used in buildings today. —New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2025

The thermal conductivity of the lunar surface acts as a blanket and stops some of the sun’s heat from penetrating into the ground. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

conductive + -ity

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for conductivity

• absorptivity
• affectivity
• collectivity
• connectivity
• corrosivity
• creativity
• diffusivity
• directivity
• effectivity
• emissivity
• exclusivity
• expressivity

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