conductive

adjective

con·​duc·​tive kən-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce conductive (audio)
: having conductivity : relating to conduction (as of electricity)

Examples of conductive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As Jupiter’s magnetic field shifts, 400,000 volts of electric potential develop across Io’s conductive surface. Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 The conductive pad, located somewhere on the limb that can induce the feeling of phantom heat, is either heated or cooled to match the temperature measured at the fingertip. IEEE Spectrum, 9 Feb. 2024 The next step is to go in with your conductive gel or a serum that is compatible with your tool. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 9 Jan. 2024 So researchers hatched a scheme to move the power delivery network to the underside of the silicon, where metal lines could be kept broad and conductive. IEEE Spectrum, 26 Dec. 2023 When filled with metal [c], these vias become conductive pathways enabling current to flow between the gallium-nitride and silicon-carbide portions of the device. IEEE Spectrum, 16 Jan. 2024 In addition to all five fingers, the entire palm is covered with a conductive material for easy screen use while on the trails. Theresa Holland, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2024 University of Sussex researchers have developed a completely biodegradable conductive hydrogel from algae, salt water, and graphene derived from an aqueous graphite suspension. IEEE Spectrum, 22 Apr. 2023 According to Piersanti, if such a distant event can cause a significant disturbance in the relatively less conductive part of the ionosphere, an event occurring in our galaxy (which is 100,000 light-years wide) could cause damage to the Earth’s ozone layer. Dhananjay Khadilkar, Ars Technica, 17 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conductive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "having the property of conducting or the ability to conduct or lead," from conduct entry 1 + -ive

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conductive was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near conductive

Cite this Entry

“Conductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conductive. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

conductive

adjective
con·​duc·​tive kən-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce conductive (audio)
: having conductivity : relating to conduction (as of electricity)

Medical Definition

conductive

adjective
con·​duc·​tive -ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce conductive (audio)
1
: having conductivity : relating to conduction (as of electricity)
2
: caused by failure in the mechanisms for sound transmission in the external or middle ear
conductive hearing loss
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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