capacitor

noun

ca·pac·i·tor kə-ˈpa-sə-tər

: a device that is used to store electrical energy

Examples of capacitor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

That was enough to run a wireless keyboard, with help from a capacitor, a small component that stores charge and releases it in bursts, although the study gives no total power figure for this wall version. — New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026 That power would then charge an intermediate storage device, such as a capacitor or supercapacitor. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026 Adding a capacitor means the pulse must last long enough to charge it first. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 30 Sep. 2026 To replace a dryer capacitor, unplug the appliance, remove the panels to access the capacitor, safely discharge it by touching the terminals with an insulated tool, unscrew the old capacitor, install a new one, and reassemble the dryer. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for capacitor

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of capacitor was in 1925

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Style

“Capacitor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capacitor. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

capacitor

noun

ca·pac·i·tor kə-ˈpas-ət-ər

: a device for storing electric charge

called also condenser

Medical Definition

capacitor

noun

ca·pac·i·tor kə-ˈpas-ət-ər

: a device giving capacitance and usually consisting of conducting plates or foils separated by thin layers of dielectric (as air or mica) with the plates on opposite sides of the dielectric layers oppositely charged by a source of voltage and the electrical energy of the charged system stored in the polarized dielectric

capacitor

noun

Examples of capacitor in a Sentence

Word History

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Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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