capacitor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical/specialized
Quick answer
What does “capacitor” mean?
An electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field.
In a broader sense, it can metaphorically refer to any device or system that accumulates and stores potential for later release. In computing, it's part of memory and timing circuits. The term is also used in some power systems and energy storage contexts beyond pure electronics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. The term is identical in meaning and usage across both dialects.
Connotations
Purely technical with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equal frequency in technical/engineering contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “capacitor” in a Sentence
to function as a capacitorto act like a capacitorto use a capacitor to [verb]The capacitor is connected across/parallel to...A capacitor of [value]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “capacitor” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The capacitor bank needed maintenance.
- He checked the capacitor voltage.
American English
- The capacitor bank needed maintenance.
- He checked the capacitor voltage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in procurement, specifications, or discussions of electronic component supply chains.
Academic
Common in physics, electrical engineering, and electronics textbooks, research papers, and lectures.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Almost never used by non-specialists.
Technical
The primary domain. Ubiquitous in electronics design, repair, manufacturing, and related technical documentation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capacitor”
- Mispronouncing it with stress on the second syllable (/kæpˈæsɪtər/).
- Confusing it with a 'battery'. A battery provides a steady voltage, a capacitor's voltage decays as it discharges.
- Misspelling as 'capasitor', 'capacitator', or 'capaciter'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to capacitor').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A capacitor stores energy electrostatically in an electric field and can charge/discharge very quickly. A battery stores energy electrochemically through chemical reactions, has a much higher energy density, and provides a more stable voltage over a longer discharge period.
'Condenser' is now considered an archaic or highly specialised technical term. In modern electronics and engineering, 'capacitor' is the universally accepted and preferred standard term.
Electrolytic capacitors can explode or vent if subjected to voltage exceeding their rating, reverse polarity, excessive ripple current, or high operating temperatures, causing internal pressure to build up and rupture the safety vent.
No. A replacement capacitor must match or exceed the original's key specifications: capacitance (measured in Farads, e.g., µF), voltage rating, and often the type (e.g., ceramic, electrolytic). The physical size and lead spacing may also be practical constraints.
An electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field.
Capacitor is usually technical/specialized in register.
Capacitor: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈpæsɪtə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈpæsɪtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CAPACITY for storing electricity. A CAPACITOR is an electrical component with a CAPACITY to store a charge.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LEKYTHOS (a small ancient Greek pot for storing oil) -> A capacitor is a 'pot' for storing electrical charge.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the primary function of a capacitor?