capacitor
Capacitor (noun) means an electronic component that stores electrical energy, typically made from two conductive plates separated by an insulating layer. Example: “The circuit uses a capacitor to smooth out voltage spikes.”
How to use capacitor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn electrical part that stores and releases electrical charge.
Word forms
capacitors plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The circuit uses a _____ to smooth out voltage spikes.
Etymology
Formed from "capacity" plus "-or." It replaced the older word "condenser" in the 1920s to avoid confusion with steam condensers.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for capacitor
Frequently asked questions
What does “capacitor” mean?
The word “capacitor” means an electronic component that stores electrical energy, typically made from two conductive plates separated by an insulating layer. In plain terms, an electrical part that stores and releases electrical charge.
How do you pronounce “capacitor”?
“Capacitor” is pronounced kuh-PA-sih-tuh (/kəˈpæ.sə.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “capacitor” in a sentence?
Here is “capacitor” used in a sentence: “The circuit uses a capacitor to smooth out voltage spikes.”
What part of speech is “capacitor”?
“Capacitor” is a noun.
Where does the word “capacitor” come from?
The word “capacitor” dates back to around 1920. Formed from "capacity" plus "-or." It replaced the older word "condenser" in the 1920s to avoid confusion with steam condensers.