Definition

A device in an electric circuit that temporarily stores electrical energy, made of two metal plates separated by an insulating material.

Example

The engineer used a capacitor to smooth out the voltage fluctuations in the circuit.

Conversation

Have you ever worked with a capacitor in your projects?

Yeah, I used one last week for my electronics class.

What did you think about how it stores energy?

It’s pretty cool how a small capacitor can hold so much charge.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Capacitor is formed from "capax" (meaning able to hold) and the suffix "-itor" (indicating an agent or something that performs an action). The word refers to a device that is able to hold an electric charge.

Memory Tip

Think of 'able to hold' ('capax') to remember that a capacitor is a device that holds electric charge.

Visually Confused Words