Conductive: meaning, definitions and examples

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conductive

 

[ kənˈdʌktɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

electrical

Having the property of conducting something (such as heat or electricity).

Synonyms

conducting, conductor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conductive

Used to describe materials or objects that can carry electricity or heat.

  • Copper is a highly conductive metal.
  • This material is not very conductive.
conducting

Typically used to describe the act of leading or guiding something, such as electricity, heat, or an orchestra.

  • He is conducting an experiment on thermal properties.
  • She is conducting the orchestra tonight.
conductor

Refers to a person who leads a musical group, or a material that allows the flow of electricity or heat.

  • The conductor raised his baton and the concert began.
  • Silver is one of the best conductors of electricity.

Examples of usage

  • The metal is highly conductive, allowing electricity to flow easily.
  • Materials like copper and silver are known for their conductive properties.
Context #2 | Adjective

thermal

Capable of conducting heat or thermal energy.

Synonyms

conductor, heat-conducting, thermal-conducting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conductive

Used to describe a material or substance that allows electricity or heat to pass through it easily. Often used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • Copper is highly conductive and is commonly used in electrical wiring
  • The material must be conductive to efficiently transfer heat
heat-conducting

Specifically describes materials or objects that transfer heat efficiently. Commonly used in engineering, cooking, and scientific contexts.

  • Heat-conducting materials such as aluminum are used in cookware
  • Engineers selected a heat-conducting material for the heat exchanger
thermal-conducting

Similar to 'heat-conducting,' this term is used to describe materials capable of efficiently transferring heat. It is often used in a more formal or scientific settings.

  • Thermal-conducting properties are critical in the design of heat sinks
  • Thermal-conducting materials are essential in managing temperatures in electronic devices
conductor

Refers to a person who directs the performance of an orchestra or choir, or an object/material that allows the flow of electricity. The context will clarify the meaning.

  • The conductor raised his baton and the orchestra began to play
  • Copper is an effective conductor of electricity

Examples of usage

  • The ceramic material is not very conductive of heat.
  • Insulation is used to prevent conductive heat transfer.
Context #3 | Adjective

general

Able to transmit or carry out something.

Synonyms

carrying, facilitating, transmitting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conductive

Often used in scientific or technical fields to describe materials or substances that allow the flow of electricity or heat.

  • Copper is highly conductive and used widely in electrical wiring
  • The experiment required a conductive solution to carry the electrical current
transmitting

Commonly used to describe the process of sending or conveying something from one place or person to another, often used in the context of signals, diseases, or information.

  • The satellite is capable of transmitting data back to Earth
  • The virus can be transmitted through close contact
carrying

Typically used to describe the act of holding or transporting something from one place to another. Can be literal or figurative.

  • She was carrying a heavy backpack on her way to school
  • The company is known for carrying out extensive research
facilitating

Used to describe actions or processes that make an activity or a situation easier, more efficient, or more effective.

  • His role as a manager involves facilitating communication between team members
  • The new software will be helpful in facilitating data analysis

Examples of usage

  • The supervisor is conductive to open communication among team members.
  • Good leadership should be conductive to positive change.

Translations

Translations of the word "conductive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 condutivo

🇮🇳 चालक

🇩🇪 leitfähig

🇮🇩 konduktif

🇺🇦 провідний

🇵🇱 przewodzący

🇯🇵 導電性の

🇫🇷 conducteur

🇪🇸 conductivo

🇹🇷 iletken

🇰🇷 전도성의

🇸🇦 موصل

🇨🇿 vodivý

🇸🇰 vodivý

🇨🇳 导电的

🇸🇮 prevoden

🇮🇸 leiðandi

🇰🇿 өткізгіш

🇬🇪 გამტარი

🇦🇿 keçirici

🇲🇽 conductivo

Etymology

The word 'conductive' is derived from the verb 'conduct', which comes from the Latin word 'conductus', meaning 'to lead or bring together'. The term has been used in the context of electricity and heat conduction since the 19th century, reflecting the understanding of materials that allow the flow of energy. Over time, 'conductive' has also been used in a broader sense to describe the ability to transmit or facilitate various processes.

See also: conduct, conducting, conductor, conductors, misconduct, nonconductor.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,748, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.