superconˈducting, ppl. a. Physics.
[f. super- 9 b, tr. Du. suprageleidend (H. K. Onnes 1913, in Versl. van de gewone Vergad. d. Wis- en Natuurk. Afdeeling, K. Akad. v. Wetensch. te Amsterdam XXI. 1390).]
Possessing no electrical resistivity; employing a substance in this state.
| 1913 H. K. Onnes in Proc. Sect. Sci. K. Akad. Wetenschap. Amsterdam XV. 1429 A thread of super-conducting mercury, if an ordinary conducting particle were present anywhere in the current path, could show resistance at that spot. 1935 Discovery July 213/2 The fascinating transition of metals into the super-conducting state when near to absolute zero. 1958 Listener 11 Dec. 984/1 A current once established in a superconducting lead ring will continue to flow indefinitely. 1966 C. R. Tottle Sci. Engin. Materials vi. 127 The superconducting state can be destroyed by the application of an external magnetic field. 1978 Jrnl. R. Soc. Arts CXXVI. 608/2 The savings from introducing superconducting generators are relatively small. |
Hence (as a back-formation) superconˈduct v. intr., to conduct electricity without any resistance.
| 1964 New Scientist 20 Aug. 441 (heading) USSR field windings that superconduct. 1976 G. K. Haines Supercold, Superhot v. 30 More than twenty-five elements have now been found that will superconduct. |