conductance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “conductance” mean?
The measure of a material's ability to allow the flow of electric current.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The measure of a material's ability to allow the flow of electric current.
A physical quantity representing the ease with which an electric charge or heat passes through a specific material. It is the reciprocal of electrical resistance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “conductance” in a Sentence
The conductance of [material] is measured in siemens.[Material] exhibits high/low conductance.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in physics, electrical engineering, and materials science.
Everyday
Extremely rare; only in discussions of advanced electronics or home insulation.
Technical
Primary context. Precisely defined quantitative property.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conductance”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conductance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conductance”
- Using 'conductance' to mean behavior (confusion with 'conduct').
- Treating it as a countable noun (e.g., 'three conductances').
- Confusing it with 'conductivity' (they are related but conductance is a property of a specific object; conductivity is a property of a material).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The siemens (symbol: S), which is equivalent to one ampere per volt (A/V).
Conductance (G) is a property of a specific object (like a wire of certain dimensions). Conductivity (σ) is an intrinsic property of the material itself, independent of its size or shape.
Yes, though less common. 'Thermal conductance' is a valid term describing the ease of heat flow through an object.
No. It is a specialised technical term used primarily in science and engineering fields.
The measure of a material's ability to allow the flow of electric current.
Conductance is usually technical/scientific in register.
Conductance: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈdʌk.təns/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈdʌk.təns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CONDUIT (a pipe for flow) + ANCE (a state or quality). Conductance is the quality of a material that lets electrical 'flow' through it easily.
Conceptual Metaphor
ELECTRICITY IS A FLUID; Conductance is the width of the pipe or the lack of friction inside it.
Practice
Quiz
What is the direct opposite of electrical conductance?