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nonconductor

nonconductor

7.5
A material that does not let electricity or heat pass through it
  • noun
  • /ˌnɒnkənˈdʌktər/
translation icon : no conductor
  • Paper serves as a nonconductor.

Examples

  • Rubber is a common nonconductor material that helps protect against electrical shocks.

  • Glass is an excellent nonconductor of electricity, making it safe for use in electrical applications.

  • Porcelain is often used in electrical insulators because it acts as a nonconductor of heat.

Synonyms

insulator
vsnonconductor
  • Specialized
5 4.7

A material like glass that does not let electricity or heat pass through

describes materials that allow only a very small amount of electricity or heat through
dielectric
vsnonconductor
  • Specialized
1 9.3

A material that does not let electricity or heat pass and is used in electrical parts like capacitors

applies to materials that block electricity or heat more generally, not only in electronics

Antonyms

conductor
  • Specialized
14 3.9

A material that lets electricity, heat, or sound pass through easily

How Conductive

superconductor
  • Specialized
10 6.4
conductor
  • Specialized
14 3.9
nonconductor
7.5
insulator
  • Specialized
5 4.7

Surface Forms

nonconductor singular
nonconductors plural

Morphology

nonconductor = conductor (transparent) = non + conductor

The meaning is a straightforward negation formed by the productive prefix 'non-' added to the noun 'conductor', which yields 'not a conductor'.

Etymology

Nonconductor is made from non- meaning 'not' and conductor, which shares the root with the verb conduct meaning 'to lead' — think of a music conductor who leads an orchestra. So, a nonconductor is a material that does 'not' lead electricity or heat.