capacitance

noun

ca·​pac·​i·​tance kə-ˈpa-sə-tən(t)s 

1

a

: the property of an electric nonconductor that permits the storage of energy as a result of the separation of charge that occurs when opposite surfaces of the nonconductor are maintained at a difference of potential

b

: the measure of this property that is equal to the ratio of the charge on either surface to the potential difference between the surfaces

2

: a part of a circuit or network that possesses capacitance

capacitive

kə-ˈpa-sə-tiv 

adjective

capacitively adverb

Examples of capacitance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These [Units of electric charge] are FARADAYS, which are often confused with farads, or units of electrical capacitance (a measure of how well something holds electric charge). — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2026

This changes the capacitance of the two capacitive pads beneath it, registering an input. — ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026

Further, the team also reduced the emitting surface into small areas to reduce junction capacitance and increase current density to ensure that the LEDs had a higher modulation bandwidth. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

In plain terms, Tau Scaling asks whether performance gains can come not only from shrinking the node, but from shortening the distance data travels, reducing resistance and capacitance, and coordinating hardware and software around latency. — Mark Greeven, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

capacity

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Medical Definition

capacitance

noun

ca·​pac·​i·​tance kə-ˈpas-ət-ən(t)s 

1

a

: the property of an electric nonconductor that permits the storage of energy as a result of the separation of charge occurring when opposite surfaces of the nonconductor are maintained at a difference of potential

b

: the measure of this property equal to the ratio of the charge on either surface to the potential difference between the surfaces

2

: a part of a circuit or network that possesses capacitance