piezoelectric
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌpiː.əʊ.ɪˈlɛk.trɪk/
KK: /piːˌzɛoʊɪˈlɛktrɪk/
adjective
Definition
Relating to the ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge when they are subjected to mechanical stress.
Example
The piezoelectric sensor converts pressure into an electrical signal.
Conversation
Have you heard about the new piezoelectric sensors they developed?
Yeah, I read that they can convert pressure into electrical energy!
It's amazing how piezoelectric technology is advancing so quickly.
For sure! I can't wait to see how it will be used in everyday devices.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
electromechanical
dynamic
responsive
Antonyms
static
inflexible
unresponsive
noun
Definition
A type of material that generates an electric charge when it is squeezed or deformed.
Example
The engineer used a piezoelectric sensor to measure pressure changes.
Conversation
Have you heard about piezoelectric materials?
Yeah, I think they convert mechanical stress into electricity, right?
Exactly! They're used in things like sensors and actuators.
Root Explanation
Piezoelectric → It is formed from "piezo-" (from Greek "piezein", meaning to press) and "electric" (from Greek "ēlektron", meaning amber, which was known to produce static electricity). The word describes the ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge when mechanically stressed or pressed.
Memory Tip
Think of 'pressing' ('piezo-') something to create 'electricity' ('electric') — that's how piezoelectric materials work.
Visually Confused Words
proelectric
isoelectric
vitreoelectric
pyroelectric
idioelectric