capacitive
kuh-PAS-ih-tiv
/kəˈpæs.ɪ.tɪv/
Relating to or functioning by means of electrical capacitance, specifically touchscreens that detect human finger contact through electrostatic charge shifts.
Refers specifically to touch technology responding to electrical conductivity rather than mechanical pressure.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'capere' (to take or hold). In physics, electrical 'capacitance' measured a conductor's ability to store electric charge. When engineers developed touchscreens measuring micro-changes in electrostatic fields upon finger contact, the adjective 'capacitive' was adopted.
Word relationships
- electrostatic: Electrostatic refers broadly to stationary electric charges, while capacitive specifies the measurement of electrical charge storage capability.
- resistive: Resistive touch screens require physical pressure to press two flexible conductive layers together.
Commonly confused with
- spacious: Spacious means having large physical volume, while capacitive relates to electrical charge capacity.
Word family
- capacitance (noun): The ability of a system to store an electric charge.
- capacitor (noun): An electronic component used to store electrostatic energy.
Collocations
- capacitive touchscreen
- capacitive sensor
- capacitive display
- capacitive touch panel
- capacitive sensing
Example sentences
- "Unlike older resistive panels, a capacitive screen registers even the lightest touch of a bare finger." Display Engineering
- "Most modern smartphones rely on a multi-touch capacitive sensor array underneath the glass surface." Mobile Specifications
Memory hook
CAPACITY for CHARGE: capacitive screens sense the electrical capacity in your fingertip. Glass screen detecting your finger's electrical charge.
When not to use
Do not use to describe old pressure-based touch screens (resistive) or non-electrical objects.
Fun facts
- Because capacitive screens rely on skin conductivity, standard fabric gloves will not work unless woven with conductive metallic threads.
Related words
Explore more words
capacitance, haptic, contactless, dielectric, tactile, electric
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