inductance

noun

in·​duc·​tance in-ˈdək-tən(t)s How to pronounce inductance (audio)
1
a
: a property of an electric circuit by which an electromotive force is induced in it by a variation of current either in the circuit itself or in a neighboring circuit
b
: the measure of this property that is equal to the ratio of the induced electromotive force to the rate of change of the inducing current
2
: a circuit or a device possessing inductance

Examples of inductance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Alternatively, the power can be transferred via inductance, but in that case the apparatus is typically cumbersome, making the unit complicated and physically large and heavy. IEEE Spectrum, 15 Apr. 2024 The rotational twist of the cable helps to optimize inductance and capacitance of the connection. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Author Chen, however, suggested that unwanted electronic characteristics, particularly a weakness called parasitic inductance, would plague transistors that are simply packaged together rather than integrated. IEEE Spectrum, 16 Jan. 2024 To reduce the inductance in the source path of the transistors, a capacitor is placed in parallel across the input lead from the battery, which is called the DC link. IEEE Spectrum, 10 Jan. 2023 Muzzle-velocity testing was done at Federal’s factory through a coil of inductance sensors with a 30-inch test barrel under SAAMI specifications. Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 8 Jan. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of inductance was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near inductance

Cite this Entry

“Inductance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inductance. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

inductance

noun
in·​duc·​tance in-ˈdək-tən(t)s How to pronounce inductance (audio)
1
a
: a property of an electric circuit by which an electromotive force is induced in it by a variation of current either in the circuit itself or in a neighboring circuit
b
: the measure of this property that is equal to the ratio of the induced electromotive force to the rate of change of the inducing current
2
: a circuit or a device possessing inductance

More from Merriam-Webster on inductance

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!