a. [f. L. type *conductīv-us, f. conduct-, ppl. stem: conductif, -ive occurs in F. of 15th c.: see -IVE.]
† 1. Having the property of conducting or leading (lit. and fig.). Obs. exc. as in 3.
1528. Paynel, Salerne’s Regim., O iv b. Wyne that is gyuen in way of drinke conductive.
a. 1643. W. Cartwright, Ordin., III. v. I feel a film come o’r mine eyes … I must look out an animal conductive, I mean a dog.
1654. Charleton, Physiologia, 30. The existence of the Final ever attesting the existence of the Conductive, or Mediatory Cause.
† 2. = CONDUCIVE. Obs.
1666. J. Smith, Old Age (ed. 2), 256. They are greatly conductive to the growth and promotion of each other.
3. Physics. Having the property of conducting, or pertaining to the conduction of, some form of energy (as heat, electricity, etc.).
1840. Whewell, Philos. Induct. Sc., I. p. cxiii. Bodies are conductive; and their property is conductivity.
1869. Mrs. Somerville, Molec. Sc., I. i. 5. Copper is always employed … on account of its superior conductive power.
1881. Armstrong, in Nature, No. 619. 451. The conductive system of the nerves.
Conductively adv., by means of conduction.
1870. R. M. Ferguson, Electr., 56. Charging by contact or conductively as it is termed.
