dieletric
Definition
Noun:
- Electrical non-conductor: A "dielectric" is a substance that does not conduct electricity readily but can support an electric field. It is an insulating material used in capacitors and electrical components.
Adjective:
- Relating to dielectrics: "Dielectric" describes properties or materials that are non-conductive and can store electrical energy in an electric field.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The capacitor contains a dielectric to prevent current flow. (The insulating material inside the capacitor stops electricity from passing through.)
- Glass and rubber are common dielectrics. (These materials are used as insulators in electrical devices.)
Adjective:
- The dielectric strength of the material determines its ability to withstand high voltages. (The insulating property of the material is measured by how much voltage it can block.)
Advanced Usage
"Dielectric constant": A measure of how much electric potential energy a dielectric can store relative to a vacuum.
- Water has a high dielectric constant, which makes it an excellent solvent for ions. (Water's ability to store electric energy helps it dissolve charged particles.)
"Dielectric breakdown": The point at which a dielectric fails to insulate and allows electricity to pass through.
- If the voltage is too high, dielectric breakdown occurs, damaging the component. (The insulator stops working and conducts electricity suddenly.)
Variants and Related Words
Dielectrics (plural noun): multiple types of insulating materials.
- Engineers study different dielectrics to improve capacitor efficiency. (Researchers examine various insulators for better energy storage.)
Dielectricity (noun): the property of being a dielectric; the behavior of insulators in electric fields.
- The dielectricity of the plastic makes it suitable for use in high-frequency circuits. (The insulating behavior of the plastic is useful in electronic devices.)
Synonyms
- Insulator: a material that resists electrical current.
- Non-conductor: a substance that does not allow electricity to flow through it.
Related Idioms
- There are no common idioms using "dielectric" as it is a technical term.
Phrasal Verbs
- There are no phrasal verbs associated with "dielectric" due to its specialized use.