ScienceJuly 15, 2026

permittivity

/ˌpɜːrmɪˈtɪvɪti/

Definition

A physical measure of a material's ability to resist the formation of an electric field within it, often used to characterize the dielectric properties of components like capacitors.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'permittere,' meaning 'to let through or allow,' it entered scientific terminology to describe how a medium 'permits' the establishment of electric flux.

In the news

The term is used here to describe the electrical characteristics of thin-film dielectrics used in microwave varactors, where researchers aim to optimize these properties for better device performance.

Deep physics, materials science enhance dielectrics, varactors

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EDN - Voice of the Engineer

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