superconductivity
[ soo-per-kon-duh k-tiv-i-tee ]
/ ˌsu pərˌkɒn dəkˈtɪv ɪ ti /
noun Physics.
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.
Origin of superconductivity
First recorded in 1915–20;
super- +
conductivity
OTHER WORDS FROM superconductivity
su·per·con·duc·tion [soo-per-kuh n-duhk-shuh n] /ˌsu pər kənˈdʌk ʃən/, noun su·per·con·duc·tive [soo-per-kuh n-duhk-tiv] /ˌsu pər kənˈdʌk tɪv/, su·per·con·duct·ing, adjective su·per·con·duc·tor [soo-per-kuh n-duhk-ter] /ˌsu pər kənˈdʌk tər/, nounWords nearby superconductivity
supercoil,
supercollider,
supercolumnar,
supercolumniation,
supercomputer,
superconductivity,
superconductor,
supercontinent,
supercool,
supercow,
supercrat
British Dictionary definitions for superconductor
superconductivity
/ (ˌsuːpəˌkɒndʌkˈtɪvɪtɪ) /
noun
physics
the property of certain substances that have no electrical resistance. In metals it occurs at very low temperatures, but higher temperature superconductivity occurs in some ceramic materials
Derived forms of superconductivity
superconduction (ˌsuːpəkənˈdʌkʃən), noun superconductive or superconducting, adjective superconductor, nounScientific definitions for superconductor
superconductivity
[ sōō′pər-kŏn′dŭk-tĭv′ĭ-tē ]
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).
Other words from superconductivity
superconductor nounCultural definitions for superconductor (1 of 3)
notes for superconductor
Superconductors are used to make large
electromagnets, and they are starting to play a major role in industry.
Cultural definitions for superconductor (2 of 3)
superconductivity
[ (sooh-puhr-kon-duk-tiv-uh-tee) ]
A property of some materials in which their electrical resistance drops to zero, and they acquire the ability to carry electric current (see also 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.
Cultural definitions for superconductor (3 of 3)
superconductivity
[ (sooh-puhr-kon-duk-tiv-uh-tee) ]
A property of materials by which their electrical resistance goes to zero, and they acquire the ability to carry electric current (see also current) with no losses whatsoever.
notes for superconductivity
Formerly, materials showed superconductivity only near
absolute zero, but new materials have been found that are superconducting at much higher temperatures.