piezoelectricity
Syllabification: (pi·e·zo·e·lec·tric·i·ty)
Pronunciation: /pēˌāzōˌilekˈtrisitē, pīˌēz-/
Definition of piezoelectricity
noun
- electric polarization in a substance (especially certain crystals) resulting from the application of mechanical stress.
Piezoelectric substances are able to convert mechanical signals (such as sound waves) into electrical signals, and vice versa. They are therefore widely used in microphones, phonograph pickups, and earphones, and also to generate a spark for igniting gas
Derivatives
Pronunciation: /-trik/
adjective
Pronunciation: /-trik(ə)lē/
adverb
Origin:
late 19th century: from Greek piezein 'press, squeeze' + electricity