[soo-per-kon-duh
k-tiv-i-tee] 
| the phenomenon of almost perfect conductivity shown by certain substances at temperatures approaching absolute zero. The recent discovery of materials that are superconductive at temperatures hundreds of degrees above absolute zero raises the possibility of revolutionary developments in the production and transmission of electrical energy. |
[soo-per-kuhn-duhk-shuhn] , noun [soo-per-kuhn-duhk-tiv] , su⋅per⋅con⋅duct⋅ing, adjective [soo-per-kuhn-duhk-ter] , noun | su·per·con·duc·tiv·i·ty (sōō'pər-kŏn'dŭk-tĭv'ĭ-tē) n. The flow of electric current without resistance in certain metals, alloys, and ceramics at temperatures near absolute zero, and in some cases at temperatures hundreds of degrees above absolute zero. su'per·con·duc'tive (-kən-dŭk'tĭv) adj., su'per·con·duc'tor (-dŭk'tər) n. |
A property of some materials in which their electrical resistance drops to zero, and they acquire the ability to carry electric current with no loss of energy whatsoever. Formerly, materials developed superconductivity only at temperatures near absolute zero, but new materials have been found that remain superconductive at temperatures above those of liquid nitrogen. The goal of current research is to find a material that remains superconductive at room temperature.
A material that can develop superconductivity.
Note: Superconductors are used to make large electromagnets, and they are starting to play a major role in industry.
superconductivity (s 'pər-kŏn'dŭk-tĭv'ĭ-tē) Pronunciation Key
The ability of certain metals or alloys to conduct an electric current with almost no resistance. Superconductivity usually occurs close to absolute zero, at temperatures approaching -459.67°F (-273.15°C), but has also been observed at temperatures as high as -200°F (-128.88°C). superconductor noun |