superconductivity

[ soo-per-kon-duhk-tiv-i-tee ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the phenomenon of almost perfect conductivity shown by certain substances at temperatures approaching absolute zero. The recent discovery of materials that are superconductive at temperatures hundreds of degrees above absolute zero raises the possibility of revolutionary developments in the production and transmission of electrical energy.

superconductivity

/ ˌsuːpəkənˈdʌkʃən; ˌsuːpəˌkɒndʌkˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. physics the property of certain substances that have no electrical resistance. In metals it occurs at very low temperatures, but higher temperature superconductivity occurs in some ceramic materials

superconductivity

/ so̅o̅′pər-kŏn′dŭk-tĭv′ĭ-tē /

1. The ability of certain metals or alloys to conduct an electric current with almost no resistance. Superconductivity usually occurs close to absolute zero, at temperatures approaching −459.67°F (−273.15°C), but has also been observed at temperatures as high as −200°F (−128.88°C).

superconductivity

¹

1. A property of materials by which their electrical resistance goes to zero, and they acquire the ability to carry electric current (see also current ) with no losses whatsoever.

superconductivity

²

1. A property of some materials in which their electrical resistance drops to zero, and they acquire the ability to carry electric current (see also current ) with no loss of energy whatsoever. Formerly, materials developed superconductivity only at temperatures near absolute zero , but new materials have been found that remain superconductive at temperatures above those of liquid nitrogen . The goal of current research is to find a material that remains superconductive at room temperature.

Notes

Formerly, materials showed superconductivity only near absolute zero , but new materials have been found that are superconducting at much higher temperatures.

Derived Forms

• ˌsuperconˈductive, adjective
• ˌsuperconˈductor, noun
• superconduction, noun

Other Words From

• su·per·con·duc·tion [soo-per-k, uh, n-, duhk, -sh, uh, n], noun
• su·per·con·duc·tive [soo-per-k, uh, n-, duhk, -tiv], super·con·ducting adjective
• su·per·con·duc·tor [soo-per-k, uh, n-, duhk, -ter], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of superconductivity¹

First recorded in 1915–20; super- + conductivity

Example Sentences

For the discovery to ever have practical applications though, the researchers will have to find a way to reduce the pressure required to achieve superconductivity.

From Singularity Hub 

Over the next few decades superconductivity was found in other super-cooled materials, and in 1933 researchers discovered that superconductors also expel magnetic fields.

From Singularity Hub 

Scientists have for decades sought to understand just what those circumstances are, and to figure out what other elements might be mixed in with hydrogen to achieve superconductivity at progressively higher temperatures and lower pressures.

From MIT Technology Review

For many decades afterwards, superconductivity was created only at extremely low temperatures.

From MIT Technology Review

That’s more than 50 degrees hotter than the previous high-temperature superconductivity record set last year.

From Quanta Magazine