# conductivity

/ˌkɑnˌdəkˈtɪvəti/ (US) · /kɒndəktˈɪvɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/conductivity
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the ability of a material to let heat or electricity pass through it. Metals usually have high levels of this.

For teachers: the degree to which a specified material conducts electricity or heat. Often expressed as a physical property that varies depending on temperature and material purity.

## Examples

- Copper is used in wires because of its high conductivity.
- The technician measured the water's electrical conductivity to check for the presence of dissolved salts and minerals.
- In semiconductor manufacturing, controlling the conductivity of silicon through doping is essential for creating the transistors that power modern computing devices.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable in its general sense; can be used with 'high', 'low', or 'thermal' to specify the type of energy transfer.

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