dielectric
Adjective[C/U] Both
pl: dielectrics
This term describes materials that do not conduct electricity but instead store electrical energy by shifting their internal charges. It is a technical term used almost exclusively in physics and electrical engineering to describe the "buffer" layer in capacitors. While an insulator simply blocks the flow of current, a dielectric is specifically chosen for its ability to be polarized, meaning it interacts with the electric field to enhance energy storage without allowing the current to leak through.
Countable when referring to a specific type of material used in a component (a high-performance dielectric). Uncountable when referring to the general property of being a dielectric.