dielectric

(dī′i lektrik)

noun

a material, as rubber, glass, etc., or a medium, as a vacuum, gas, etc., that does not conduct electricity but can sustain an electric field: dielectrics are used in capacitors, between adjacent wires in a cable, etc.

Origin: di(a)- + electric: so called because it permits the passage of the lines of force of an electrostatic field but does not conduct the current

adjective

having the properties or function of a dielectric

See dielectric in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
A nonconductor of electricity, especially a substance with electrical conductivity of less than a millionth (10-6) of a siemens.

Origin:

Origin: di(a)-

Origin: + electric

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Related Forms:

  • diˌe·lecˈtric adjective
  • diˌe·lecˈtri·cal·ly adverb

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