dielectric: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dielectric” mean?
An insulating material or medium that does not conduct electricity but can support an electrostatic field.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An insulating material or medium that does not conduct electricity but can support an electrostatic field.
Pertaining to or having the properties of a dielectric; used as an insulating layer in capacitors and other electrical components.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Minor potential differences in preferred collocations based on regional engineering standards.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no cultural or emotional connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both varieties, confined to physics, engineering, and electronics contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “dielectric” in a Sentence
[material] with a high/low dielectric constantthe dielectric of [component][component] with a dielectric layer of [material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dielectric” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dielectric properties of the ceramic make it ideal for the application.
- We need a material with a higher dielectric strength.
American English
- They tested various dielectric films for the capacitor.
- The dielectric constant of the oil was measured.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in procurement or specifications for electronic components.
Academic
Common in physics, materials science, and electrical engineering papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in electronics, electrical engineering, and capacitor manufacturing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dielectric”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dielectric”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dielectric”
- Misspelling as 'di-electric' (should be one word).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to dielectric the wire' is incorrect).
- Confusing 'dielectric constant' with 'conductivity'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In general terms, yes, but 'dielectric' specifically emphasizes the material's ability to polarize and store electrostatic energy, not just block current. All dielectrics are insulators, but not all insulators are discussed in terms of their dielectric properties.
No, 'dielectric' is exclusively a noun or an adjective. There is no standard verb form.
It is a dimensionless number (also called relative permittivity) that measures a material's ability to store electrical energy in an electric field compared to a vacuum.
In almost all electronic devices: the insulating layer in capacitors, the coating on wires, the substrate of printed circuit boards, and the glass/plastic in touchscreens.
An insulating material or medium that does not conduct electricity but can support an electrostatic field.
Dielectric is usually technical/scientific in register.
Dielectric: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.ɪˈlek.trɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.ɪˈlek.trɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIE (not for conducting) + ELECTRIC = DI-ELECTRIC, a material that resists electric current.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DIELECTRIC is a WALL against electricity.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a dielectric?