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

/ ˌsuːpəˌkɒndʌkˈtɪvɪtɪ; ˌsuːpəkənˈdʌkʃən /

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

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

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

This breakthrough offers a promising pathway to achieving superconductivity in the quantum Hall regime, a longstanding challenge in condensed matter physics.

From Science Daily

This characteristic can result in materials with novel functionalities such as high-temperature superconductivity and enhanced magnetic properties.

From Science Daily

So far, researchers have only been able to induce quantum behaviors, such as magnetism and superconductivity, at extremely cold temperatures.

From Science Daily

"This allowed us to combine the properties of superconductivity and semiconductors," says Gould.

From Science Daily

"They're a very specialized object that is used in the theory of superconductivity. They were next used by physicists in the 1990s studying black holes and string theory."

From Science Daily