[soo-per-kon-duhk-tiv-i-tee]/ ˌsu pərˌkɒn dəkˈtɪv ɪ ti /
noun
Physics.
the phenomenon of almost perfect conductivity shown by certain substances at temperatures approaching absolute zero. The recent discovery of materials that are superconductive at temperatures hundreds of degrees above absolute zero raises the possibility of revolutionary developments in the production and transmission of electrical energy.
superconductivity
British
/ ˌsuːpəˌkɒndʌkˈtɪvɪtɪ, ˌsuːpəkənˈdʌkʃən /
noun
physics the property of certain substances that have no electrical resistance. In metals it occurs at very low temperatures, but higher temperature superconductivity occurs in some ceramic materials
The ability of certain metals or alloys to conduct an electric current with almost no resistance. Superconductivity usually occurs close to absolute zero, at temperatures approaching −459.67°F (−273.15°C), but has also been observed at temperatures as high as −200°F (−128.88°C).
superconductivity1
Cultural
A property of materials by which their electrical resistance goes to zero, and they acquire the ability to carry electric current (see also current) with no losses whatsoever.
superconductivity2
Cultural
A property of some materials in which their electrical resistance drops to zero, and they acquire the ability to carry electric current (see also current) with no loss of energy whatsoever. Formerly, materials developed superconductivity only at temperatures near absolute zero, but new materials have been found that remain superconductive at temperatures above those of liquid nitrogen. The goal of current research is to find a material that remains superconductive at room temperature.
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Formerly, materials showed superconductivity only near absolute zero, but new materials have been found that are superconducting at much higher temperatures.
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The material at the center of the study, iron telluride selenide, was discovered relatively recently and is known for combining superconductivity with unusual topological behavior.
This insight could help researchers develop new materials with valuable properties, including high-temperature superconductivity, where electricity travels without energy loss.
