ca·pac·i·tance   (kə-pās'ĭ-təns)    n.   Symbol C The ratio of charge to potential on an electrically charged, isolated conductor. Symbol C The ratio of the electric charge transferred from one to the other of a pair of conductors to the resulting potential difference between them. The property of a circuit element that permits it to store charge. The part of the circuit exhibiting capacitance. [capacit(y) + -ance.] ca·pac'i·tive (-tĭv) adj., ca·pac'i·tive·ly adv.

Main Entry: ca·pac·i·tance
Pronunciation: k&-'pas-&t-&n(t)s
Function: noun
1 a : the property of an electricnonconductor that permits the storage of energy as a result of the separation of charge occurring when opposite surfaces of the nonconductor are maintained at a difference of potential b : the measure of this property equal to the ratio of the charge on either surface to the potential difference between the surfaces
2 : a part of a circuit or network thatpossesses capacitance

capacitance   (kə-pās'ĭ-təns)  Pronunciation Key  A measure of the ability of a configuration of materials to store electric charge. In a capacitor, capacitance depends on the size of the plates, the type of insulator, and the amount of space between the plates. Most electrical components display capacitance to some degree; even the spaces between components of a circuit have a natural capacitance. Capacitance is measured in farads. Compare inductance.