resistivity
UK[ˌrɪzɪˈstɪvɪti]US[ˌriːzɪˈstɪvəti]
n
A measure of the degree to which a specified material opposes the flow of an electric current.
n
The capacity of a material or substance to withstand or not conduct something, such as heat or corrosion.
Morpheme Breakdown
resist
iv
ity
resist
oppose
iv
adjective suffix
ity
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'resistivity' is a modern scientific term constructed from classical components. Its core, 'resist', originates from the Latin verb resistere, meaning to stand firm against a force. The addition of the adjectival suffix '-ive' transforms it into 'resistive', describing the property of opposing. Finally, the abstract noun suffix '-ity' is appended, forming 'resistivity', which denotes the specific, measurable condition or quality of being resistant. This etymological journey, from the concrete act of standing against to an abstract physical property, perfectly illustrates the logical development of specialized vocabulary from fundamental Latin roots to describe a key concept in physics and materials science.
Analysis
Structure: resist (oppose) + iv (adjective suffix) + ity (noun suffix)
- resist: From Latin resistere ('to make a stand against, oppose'), composed of re- ('back, against') + sistere ('to take a stand, set, place').
- iv: A suffix of Latin origin (-ivus) used to form adjectives meaning 'tending to' or 'having the nature of'.
- ity: A noun-forming suffix of Latin origin (-itas), indicating a state, condition, or quality.
Examples
Copper has a very low electrical resistivity, making it an excellent conductor.
The resistivity of the soil was tested to determine its suitability for the grounding system.
A material's resistivity typically increases with its temperature.