Dielectric

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ËŒdaɪ.ɪˈlÉ›k.tɹɪk /, /ËŒdaɪ.əˈlÉ›k.tɹɪk/

Origin

From dia- ("through") + electric.

Learned 19th-century formation, coined by William Whewell (died 1866).

Full definition of dielectric

Noun

1. (physics) An electrically insulating or nonconducting material considered for its electric susceptibility, i.e. its property of polarization when exposed to an external electric field.

Synonyms

• insulator

Derived terms

• dielectric constant
• dielectricity

Adjective

1. (electrically) insulating