dielectric

[ dahy-i-lek-trik ]

noun
  1. a nonconducting substance; insulator.

  2. a substance in which an electric field can be maintained with a minimum loss of power.

adjective
  1. of or relating to a dielectric substance.

Origin of dielectric

1
First recorded in 1830–40; di-3 + electric

Other words from dielectric

  • di·e·lec·tri·cal·ly, adverb

Words Nearby dielectric

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How to use dielectric in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for dielectric

dielectric

/ (ˌdaɪɪˈlɛktrɪk) /


noun
  1. a substance or medium that can sustain a static electric field within it

  2. a substance or body of very low electrical conductivity; insulator

adjective
  1. of, concerned with, or having the properties of a dielectric

Origin of dielectric

1
from dia- + electric

Derived forms of dielectric

  • dielectrically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for dielectric

dielectric

[ dī′ĭ-lĕktrĭk ]


Adjective
  1. Having little or no ability to conduct electricity, generally as a result of having no electrons that are free to move.

Noun
  1. A dielectric substance, especially one used in a capacitor to maintain an electric field between the plates.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for dielectric

dielectric

[ (deye-i-lek-trik) ]


A material that conducts (see conduction) electricity poorly or not at all. If a voltage is applied to a dielectric, the atoms in the material arrange themselves in such a way as to oppose the flow of electric current (see also current). Glass, wood, and plastic are common dielectrics. (See insulator.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.