conductive

adjective

con·​duc·​tive kən-ˈdək-tiv 

: having conductivity : relating to conduction (as of electricity)

Examples of conductive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lightning can follow conductive pathways, and these precautions reduce the risk of electrical surges. —Bay Area Weather Report, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025

At the same time, that vortex is carrying conductive aerosol particles, which ionize the air and produce even more turbulence. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2025

Voltage at the gate (the polysilicon) causes a conductive channel to bridge the source and drain, allowing current to flow. —IEEE Spectrum, 29 Jan. 2025

These bricks consist of certain compounds that are electrically conductive interspersed with others that provide insulation to contain the heat. —Andrew Rosenblum, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "having the property of conducting or the ability to conduct or lead," from conduct entry 1 + -ive

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

conductive

adjective

con·​duc·​tive kən-ˈdək-tiv 

: having conductivity : relating to conduction (as of electricity)

Medical Definition

conductive

adjective

con·​duc·​tive -ˈdək-tiv 

1

: having conductivity : relating to conduction (as of electricity)

2

: caused by failure in the mechanisms for sound transmission in the external or middle ear

conductive hearing loss