impedance

noun

im·​ped·​ance im-ˈpē-dᵊn(t)s How to pronounce impedance (audio)
: something that impedes : hindrance: such as
a
: the apparent opposition in an electrical circuit to the flow of an alternating current that is analogous to the actual electrical resistance to a direct current and that is the ratio of effective electromotive force to the effective current
b
: the ratio of the pressure to the volume displacement at a given surface in a sound-transmitting medium

Examples of impedance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Body fat scales: These scales use bioelectrical impedance, which sends a weak electrical current through the body to estimate the percentage of body fat. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 June 2025 Relatively efficient and with a minimum impedance of 6.4 ohms, these are amp-friendly speakers that can sing with 30 watts. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025 Professional gamers tend to appreciate the lack of tactility in linear switches, as any physical impedance increases input lag between the action (pressing a key) and the reaction (your character moving, for example). Francisco Lahoz, PC Magazine, 31 May 2025 The base station records those changes in impedance, and transmits the data to an app on the mother's smartphone. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for impedance

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impedance was in 1886

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impedance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impedance. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

impedance

noun
im·​ped·​ance im-ˈpēd-ᵊn(t)s How to pronounce impedance (audio)
1
: the apparent opposition in an electrical circuit to the flow of an alternating current that is analogous to the actual electrical resistance to a direct current and that is the ratio of effective electromotive force to the effective current
2
: the ratio of the pressure to the volume displacement at a given surface in a sound-transmitting medium
3
: opposition to blood flow in the circulatory system

More from Merriam-Webster on impedance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!