picofarad: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “picofarad” mean?
A unit of electrical capacitance equal to one trillionth (10⁻¹²) of a farad.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of electrical capacitance equal to one trillionth (10⁻¹²) of a farad.
An SI prefix measurement used primarily in electronics and electrical engineering to denote very small capacitance values, typical for components like ceramic disc capacitors, integrated circuit components, and high-frequency filtering circuits.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both regions use the SI unit identically. Spelling and pronunciation follow the same conventions.
Connotations
None beyond its technical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare outside of electronics/engineering contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “picofarad” in a Sentence
a [number] picofarad capacitorcapacitance of [number] picofaradsmeasured in picofaradsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “picofarad” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The picofarad value is critical for the oscillator's timing.
American English
- We need a picofarad-range capacitor for this RF filter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; only in procurement or specification documents for electronic components.
Academic
Used in physics and electrical engineering textbooks, research papers, and lab reports dealing with circuit design or electromagnetism.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context. Used in component datasheets, circuit schematics, engineering discussions, and electronics repair/manufacturing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “picofarad”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “picofarad”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “picofarad”
- Mispronouncing 'pico' as /ˈpaɪ.koʊ/ (like 'pie') instead of the standard /ˈpiː.koʊ/ (like 'pea-co').
- Confusing it with 'microfarad' (µF), which is a million times larger.
- Incorrect pluralisation as 'picofarads' (correct) vs. 'picofarad' for plural (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is abbreviated as 'pF'.
No, a picofarad (pF) is one thousand times smaller than a nanofarad (nF). 1 nF = 1000 pF.
Almost exclusively in electronics: when reading capacitor values, circuit diagrams, datasheets, or discussing high-frequency or low-capacitance circuit design.
The most common and standard pronunciation in technical English is /ˈpiː.koʊ/ ('pea-coh'). Some may say /ˈpaɪ.koʊ/ ('pie-coh'), but this is less standard for the SI prefix.
A unit of electrical capacitance equal to one trillionth (10⁻¹²) of a farad.
Picofarad is usually technical/scientific in register.
Picofarad: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpiː.kəʊˌfær.æd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpiː.koʊˌfɛr.æd/ or /ˈpaɪ.koʊˌfɛr.æd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Pico' as in 'tiny picoplankton' + 'farad' (the unit). A picofarad is a **tiny, tiny** amount of capacitance.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A. It is a precise quantitative unit.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is equivalent to one picofarad?