conductivity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1Academic, technical, scientific
Quick answer
What does “conductivity” mean?
The ability of a material to allow the flow of electrical current or heat through it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ability of a material to allow the flow of electrical current or heat through it.
The degree to which a specified material or medium can conduct electricity, heat, sound, or ions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Usage is consistent across technical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both regions.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American engineering publications due to larger volume of technical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “conductivity” in a Sentence
The conductivity of [material] is [value][Material] exhibits high/low conductivityconductivity increases/decreases with [factor]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conductivity” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The conductive properties of the alloy were outstanding.
- They needed a highly conductive paste.
American English
- The conductive layer prevented static buildup.
- Silver is a highly conductive metal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in technical sales or procurement of materials.
Academic
Common in physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Might appear in popular science articles.
Technical
The primary domain of use, especially in specifications and research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conductivity”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conductivity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conductivity”
- Confusing 'conductivity' (property) with 'conduction' (process).
- Misspelling as 'conductibility' (archaic).
- Using it without a specifying modifier (e.g., 'the conductivity' vs. 'the electrical conductivity').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common for electricity, it is also standard for heat (thermal conductivity) and other forms of energy transfer.
Conductivity is an intrinsic property of a material (independent of shape/size). Conductance depends on the geometry of the specific object as well as the material.
Yes, especially in chemistry and environmental science for ionic conductivity in solutions (e.g., water conductivity).
No. The related verb is 'to conduct'. 'Conductivity' is a noun derived from the adjective 'conductive'.
The ability of a material to allow the flow of electrical current or heat through it.
Conductivity is usually academic, technical, scientific in register.
Conductivity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒn.dʌkˈtɪv.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːn.dʌkˈtɪv.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CONDUCT-or (like a train conductor who guides things through) + IVITY (the quality of). So, it's the quality of guiding electricity or heat through.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PATHWAY or HIGHWAY for electrons or heat energy.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct collocation with 'conductivity'?