capacitance

[ kuh-pas-i-tuh ns ]
/ kəˈpæs ɪ təns /

noun Electricity.

the ratio of an impressed charge on a conductor to the corresponding change in potential.
the ratio of the charge on either conductor of a capacitor to the potential difference between the conductors.
the property of being able to collect a charge of electricity. Symbol: C

Origin of capacitance

First recorded in 1905–10; capacit(y) + -ance

Example sentences from the Web for capacitance

British Dictionary definitions for capacitance

capacitance
/ (kəˈpæsɪtəns) /

noun

the property of a system that enables it to store electric charge
a measure of this, equal to the charge that must be added to such a system to raise its electrical potential by one unit
Symbol: CFormer name: capacity

Derived forms of capacitance

capacitive, adjective capacitively, adverb

Word Origin for capacitance

C20: from capacit ( y) + -ance

Scientific definitions for capacitance

capacitance
[ kə-păsĭ-təns ]

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.