noun
farad
FA-rad
Farad (noun) means the standard unit used to measure the electrical capacitance of a capacitor. Example: “This capacitor is rated at ten microfarads, a small fraction of a farad.”
noun
1
The standard unit used to measure the electrical capacitance of a capacitor.
"This capacitor is rated at ten microfarads, a small fraction of a farad."
"Engineers measure capacitance in farads when designing circuits."
"One farad is a very large unit, so most real components are measured in millionths of a farad."
How to use farad
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA farad is the unit that tells you how much electric charge a capacitor can hold.
When to use it
It is a technical term used mainly in physics and electronics.
Memory tip
Since one farad is huge for everyday components, expect to see it written as microfarads or picofarads in practice.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
measured in farads
a capacitance of one farad
microfarads and picofarads
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like farad.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
This capacitor is rated at ten microfarads, a small fraction of a _____.
Etymology
The unit is named after the English physicist Michael Faraday.
Synonyms
View more →
F
Frequently asked questions
What does a farad measure?
A farad measures electrical capacitance, the ability of a capacitor to store electric charge.
Who is the farad named after?
It is named after the English physicist Michael Faraday.
What is the symbol for a farad?
The symbol for a farad is F.
What is the meaning of farad?
"farad" (noun) means the standard unit used to measure the electrical capacitance of a capacitor.
