resistivity

noun

re·​sis·​tiv·​i·​ty ri-ˌzi-ˈsti-və-tē  ˌrē- 

plural resistivities

1

: the longitudinal electrical resistance of a uniform rod of unit length and unit cross-sectional area : the reciprocal of conductivity

2

: capacity for resisting : resistance

Examples of resistivity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The electrical resistivity of a silver nanoparticle ink can be varied by more than three orders of magnitude, approaching the conductivity of pure silver. —Omar Kardoudi april 17, New Atlas, 17 Apr. 2026

These fibers combine electrical resistivity suitable for Joule heating with exceptional strength and relatively high thermal conductivity. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026

The remaining protons at this depth are now also a superconductor, with no electrical resistivity. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Kolawole went out that day, measuring the electrical resistivity of the ground to create maps showing how the rupture, down in the bedrock, had caused the cracks, leaving farms built on sand deposits more vulnerable to future earthquakes. —Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for resistivity

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

Medical Definition

resistivity

noun

re·​sis·​tiv·​i·​ty ri-ˌzis-ˈtiv-ət-ē, ˌrē- 

plural resistivities

: the longitudinal electrical resistance of a uniform rod of unit length and unit cross-sectional area : the reciprocal of conductivity