capacitance
UK[kəˈpæsɪtəns]US[kəˈpæsɪtəns]
n
the ability of a system to store an electric charge.
n
the ratio of the change in an electric charge in a system to the corresponding change in its electric potential.
Morpheme Breakdown
capacit
ance
capacit
capacity
ance
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'capacitance' is a modern scientific term formed in the late 19th century. it is built upon the latin root 'capax', meaning 'able to hold much', which is derived from 'capere' (to take, seize, hold). the suffix '-ance' was added to the adapted form 'capacit-' to create a noun denoting the specific state or quality of having the capacity to store electrical charge. thus, the term directly translates the physical concept of 'holding ability' from the general notion of capacity into the precise domain of electrical engineering and physics.
Analysis
Structure: capacit (capacity) + ance (noun suffix)
capacit (from latin 'capacitas', meaning capacity, ability to hold) + ance (a noun-forming suffix of french/latin origin indicating a state, quality, or action).
Examples
the capacitance of the capacitor determines how much energy it can store.
engineers must calculate the circuit's total capacitance to ensure proper function.
the material between the plates significantly affects the component's capacitance.