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

The researchers measured skin conductance (a physiological indicator of fear) and the activity of the amygdala (the brain’s chief emotion center) and found that DecNef reduces these biological fear markers for the targeted animal. —Simon Makin, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2024

One research group found that volunteers’ physiological responses – such as heart rate and skin conductance – display unique patterns during experiences that are both disgusting and funny, compared with either category separately. —Anthony Gianni Vaccaro, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024

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

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