dielectric

[ dahy-i-lek-trik ]
/ ˌdaɪ ɪˈlɛk trɪk /
Electricity

noun

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

adjective

of or relating to a dielectric substance.

Origin of dielectric

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

OTHER WORDS FROM dielectric

di·e·lec·tri·cal·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for dielectric

British Dictionary definitions for dielectric

dielectric
/ (ˌdaɪɪˈlɛktrɪk) /

noun

a substance or medium that can sustain a static electric field within it
a substance or body of very low electrical conductivity; insulator

adjective

of, concerned with, or having the properties of a dielectric

Derived forms of dielectric

dielectrically, adverb

Word Origin for dielectric

from dia- + electric

Scientific definitions for dielectric

dielectric
[ dī′ĭ-lĕktrĭk ]

Adjective

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

Noun

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

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.)