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electric strength

C2 (Proficient)
UK/ɪˌlɛktrɪk ˈstrɛŋkθ/US/ɪˌlɛktrɪk ˈstrɛŋkθ/

Technical/Engineering/Scientific

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Definition

Meaning

The maximum electric field a dielectric material can withstand without breaking down (experiencing electrical failure).

A quantitative measure of a material's insulating capability under high voltage stress; also known as dielectric strength.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Always a noun phrase referring to a specific material property measured in volts per unit distance (e.g., kV/mm). It is not used metaphorically.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical differences. 'Dielectric strength' is equally common in both variants.

Connotations

Purely technical term with identical connotations.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in general language; exclusive to electrical engineering, physics, and materials science contexts.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
high electric strengthmeasured electric strengthbreakdown electric strengthintrinsic electric strengthimpulse electric strength
medium
electric strength ofelectric strength testelectric strength valueelectric strength propertieselectric strength requirements
weak
good electric strengthlow electric strengthelectric strength data

Grammar

Valency Patterns

The electric strength of [MATERIAL] is [VALUE].[MATERIAL] exhibits an electric strength of [VALUE].To determine/measure the electric strength.

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

dielectric breakdown strength

Neutral

dielectric strengthbreakdown strength

Weak

insulating strength (less precise)

Vocabulary

Antonyms

conductivityelectrical weakness

Usage

Context Usage

Business

In procurement or specification documents for insulating materials.

Academic

In materials science and electrical engineering research papers.

Everyday

Virtually never used.

Technical

Core term in standards (e.g., IEC, ASTM), datasheets, and design calculations for capacitors, transformers, and cables.

Examples

By CEFR Level

B2
  • Engineers test the electric strength of plastic coatings used on wires.
  • A higher electric strength means better insulation.
C1
  • The mineral oil's electric strength is critical for the safe operation of high-voltage transformers.
  • Material degradation over time can significantly reduce the initial electric strength.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a dam holding back water. 'Electric strength' is how much 'electrical pressure' (voltage) the insulating 'dam' (material) can hold back before it 'breaks' (breaks down).

Conceptual Metaphor

INSULATION IS A BARRIER; ELECTRIC STRENGTH IS THE BARRIER'S MAXIMUM LOAD CAPACITY.

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • False friend: 'электрическая сила' refers to 'electric force' (a vector in electromagnetism), not 'electric strength'. Correct translation: 'электрическая прочность' or 'диэлектрическая прочность'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'very electric strength material').
  • Confusing it with 'mechanical strength' or 'tensile strength'.
  • Omitting 'electric' and using just 'strength', losing the specific technical meaning.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Before selecting an insulator for the 400kV cable, we must verify its meets international standards.
Multiple Choice

What does 'electric strength' specifically measure?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in technical contexts they are synonymous and used interchangeably.

Volts per metre (V/m) or kilovolts per millimetre (kV/mm) are most common.

Yes, a vacuum has a very high electric strength (breakdown field), which is a key principle in vacuum circuit breakers and particle accelerators.

Rarely. It's more common for design engineers, materials scientists, and physicists. Electricians more commonly refer to 'insulation resistance'.