noun
superconductor
soo-per-kun-DUK-tor
Superconductor (noun) means a material that conducts an electric current with no resistance. Example: “Engineers cooled the wire until it became a superconductor.”
noun
1
technical A material that conducts an electric current with no resistance.
"Engineers cooled the wire until it became a superconductor."
"Superconductors are used in the powerful magnets of MRI scanners."
"Researchers are searching for a superconductor that works at room temperature."
How to use superconductor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA superconductor is a material electricity can flow through completely freely, with nothing slowing it down.
When to use it
This is a technical term from physics and engineering rather than everyday speech.
Memory tip
The prefix super- signals that this goes beyond an ordinary conductor by offering zero resistance.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a high-temperature superconductor
cool a material into a superconductor
superconductor technology
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Engineers cooled the wire until it became a _____.
Etymology
Superconductor combines the prefix super- with conductor, and is a calque of the Dutch word supergeleider.
Rhymes for superconductor
See all rhymes for superconductor →Frequently asked questions
What makes a material a superconductor?
It is a substance that carries an electric current without any resistance.
What are superconductors used for?
They are used in applications such as the strong magnets found in MRI scanners.
Does superconductor relate to conductor?
Yes, it is built directly from the word conductor with the prefix super- added.
What is the meaning of superconductor?
"superconductor" (noun) means a material that conducts an electric current with no resistance.
