insulator

[ in-suh-ley-ter, ins-yuh- ]

noun

1. Electricity.
   1. a material of such low conductivity that the flow of current through it is negligible.
   2. insulating material, often glass or porcelain, in a unit form designed so as to support a charged conductor and electrically isolate it.
2. a person or thing that insulates.

insulator

/ ˈɪnsjʊˌleɪtə /

noun

1. any material or device that insulates, esp a material with a very low electrical conductivity or thermal conductivity or something made of such a material

insulator

/ ĭn′sə-lā′tər /

1. A material or an object that does not easily allow heat, electricity, light, or sound to pass through it. Air, cloth and rubber are good electrical insulators; feathers and wool make good thermal insulators.
2. Compare conductor

insulator

1. A material that does not easily transmit energy , such as electric current (see also current ) or heat. Materials such as wood, plastic, and ceramics are insulators. Fiberglass is an example of a heat insulator. ( Compare conductor .)

Other Words From

• non·insu·lator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of insulator¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; insulate + -or ²

Example Sentences

It is a better thermal insulator and was previously sold to stabilise failing roofs.

From BBC

Engineers in Australia have found a new way to make power-pole insulators resistant to fire and electrical sparking, promising to prevent dangerous pole-top fires and reduce blackouts.

From Science Daily

Materials that feature strong interactions between electrons can display unusual properties such as the ability to act as insulators even when they are expected to conduct electricity.

From Science Daily

The cellulose insulation is a great electrical insulator essential in the process of 'stepping down' voltage, but it also traps heat, which can lead to overheating.

From Science Daily

"These neutral oxygen vacancies hold a charge of two electrons, which they can release when the material switches from an insulator to a metal," Gopalan said.

From Science Daily