conductive, a.
(kənˈdʌktɪv)
[f. L. type *conductīv-us, f. conduct-, ppl. stem: conductif, -ive occurs in F. of 15th c.: see -ive.]
† 1. Having the property of conducting or leading (lit. and fig.). Obs. exc. as in 3.
| 1528 Paynel Salerne's Regim. O iv b, Wyne that is gyuen in way of drinke conductive. a 1643 W. Cartwright Ordin. iii. v, I feel a film come o'r mine eyes..I must look out an animal conductive, I mean a dog. 1654 Charleton Physiologia 30 The existence of the Final ever attesting the existence of the Conductive, or Mediatory Cause. |
† 2. = conducive. Obs.
| 1666 J. Smith Old Age (ed. 2) 256 They are greatly conductive to the growth and promotion of each other. |
3. Physics. Having the property of conducting, or pertaining to the conduction of, some form of energy (as heat, electricity, etc.).
| 1840 Whewell Philos. Induct. Sc. I. p. cxiii, Bodies are conductive; and their property is conductivity. 1869 M. Somerville Molec. Sc. i. i. 5 Copper is always employed..on account of its superior conductive power. 1881 Armstrong in Nature No. 619. 451 The conductive system of the nerves. |
conˈductively adv., by means of conduction.
| 1870 R. M. Ferguson Electr. 56 Charging by contact or conductively as it is termed. |