specific resistance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “specific resistance” mean?
The inherent property of a material that opposes the flow of electric current, measured as resistance per unit length and cross-sectional area.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The inherent property of a material that opposes the flow of electric current, measured as resistance per unit length and cross-sectional area.
In physics and electrical engineering, a fundamental material property (also known as electrical resistivity) quantifying how strongly a given material opposes the flow of electric current. In broader metaphorical usage, can refer to a particular, defined opposition to a process or influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both regions use the term identically in technical literature.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to engineering and physics contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “specific resistance” in a Sentence
The specific resistance of [MATERIAL] is [VALUE].[MATERIAL] has a specific resistance of [VALUE].to calculate/measure the specific resistanceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “specific resistance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as a standalone adjective. It modifies a noun as part of a compound: 'specific resistance value'.
American English
- Not applicable as a standalone adjective. It modifies a noun as part of a compound: 'specific resistance measurement'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, except in technical sales or procurement for electrical components.
Academic
Common in physics, materials science, and electrical engineering textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Used in specifications, datasheets, and engineering design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “specific resistance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “specific resistance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “specific resistance”
- Using 'specific resistance' to refer to a resistor in a circuit (that is just 'resistance').
- Confusing it with 'impedance', which includes reactance and is for AC circuits.
- Misspelling as 'specific resistence'.
- Using it in a non-technical context where it sounds unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in technical contexts, 'specific resistance' and 'resistivity' are synonymous terms.
The SI unit is the ohm-metre (Ω·m). Older texts may use ohm-centimetre (Ω·cm).
It is a core term in electrical engineering, physics, and materials science.
No, this is a technical scientific term. Using it metaphorically would be highly unusual and likely sound humorous or pretentious.
The inherent property of a material that opposes the flow of electric current, measured as resistance per unit length and cross-sectional area.
Specific resistance is usually technical / scientific in register.
Specific resistance: in British English it is pronounced /spəˌsɪf.ɪk rɪˈzɪs.təns/, and in American English it is pronounced /spəˌsɪf.ɪk rɪˈzɪs.təns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. This is a technical term, not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think SPECIFIC MATERIAL -> SPECIFIC RESISTANCE. Just as each person has a specific height, each material has a specific resistance to electricity.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MATERIAL'S INHERENT RELUCTANCE is conceptualised as a fundamental, measurable property that 'fights' or 'impedes' the flow of electric charge.
Practice
Quiz
What is the relationship between specific resistance and the resistance of a wire?