impedance

noun

im·​ped·​ance im-ˈpē-dᵊn(t)s 

: something that impedes : hindrance: such as

a

: the apparent opposition in an electrical circuit to the flow of an alternating current that is analogous to the actual electrical resistance to a direct current and that is the ratio of effective electromotive force to the effective current

b

: the ratio of the pressure to the volume displacement at a given surface in a sound-transmitting medium

Examples of impedance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To assess how Hina batteries compare to more advanced Tesla batteries, Schütte’s team used a non-destructive technique called impedance spectroscopy to measure the uniformity of 120 sodium-ion battery cells. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026

Its form is said to minimize its visual impact and impedance of sunset views over the Tamsui River from popular spots nearby – and it's engineered to withstand severe earthquakes too. —New Atlas, 27 May 2026

Because the pedal’s input impedance is very low (about 20 kΩ), the pickups interact directly with the pedal circuit. —IEEE Spectrum, 25 Feb. 2026

Similar to the Meta allegations in New Mexico, McCuskey singled out Apple’s encryption practices as an impedance to law enforcement. —Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for impedance

• credence

Medical Definition

impedance

noun

im·​ped·​ance im-ˈpēd-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: the apparent opposition in an electrical circuit to the flow of an alternating current that is analogous to the actual electrical resistance to a direct current and that is the ratio of effective electromotive force to the effective current

2

: the ratio of the pressure to the volume displacement at a given surface in a sound-transmitting medium

3

: opposition to blood flow in the circulatory system