conductivity

noun

con·​duc·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌkän-ˌdək-ˈti-və-tē How to pronounce conductivity (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025 Other researchers have used gel polymer electrolytes, halfway between liquid and solid-state alternatives, but these tend to have low conductivity. IEEE Spectrum, 5 Feb. 2025 Its specialists have developed an ultrafine dispersion solution of graphene with excellent fluidity along with electrical and thermal conductivity. Nadezhda Kosareva, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 Other instruments will collect and study samples of moon dust (or regolith), measure the radiation environment on the lunar surface, and even study the electrical conductivity of the interior of the moon. Brett Tingley, Space.com, 7 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conductivity

Word History

Etymology

conductive + -ity

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conductivity was in 1837

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Cite this Entry

“Conductivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conductivity. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

conductivity

noun
con·​duc·​tiv·​i·​ty ˌkän-ˌdək-ˈtiv-ət-ē How to pronounce conductivity (audio)
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- How to pronounce conductivity (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on conductivity

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