Insulator vs. Semiconductor — What's the Difference?

A material that insulates, especially a nonconductor of sound, heat, or electricity.

A semiconductor material has an electrical conductivity value falling between that of a conductor, such as metallic copper, and an insulator, such as glass. Its resistivity falls as its temperature rises; metals behave in the opposite way.

A device that insulates.

Any of various solid crystalline substances, such as germanium or silicon, having electrical conductivity greater than insulators but less than good conductors, and used especially as a base material for microchips and other electronic devices.

A substance that does not transmit heat (thermal insulator), sound (acoustic insulator) or electricity (electrical insulator).

An integrated circuit or other electronic component containing a semiconductor as a base material.

A non-conductive structure, coating or device that does not transmit sound, heat or electricity (see image)

(physics) A substance with electrical properties intermediate between a good conductor and a good insulator.

A person who installs insulation.

A substance as germanium or silicon whose electrical conductivity is intermediate between that of a metal and an insulator; its conductivity increases with temperature and in the presence of impurities

One who, or that which, insulates.

A conductor made with semiconducting material

A substance or object that insulates; a nonconductor; as, polyurethane foam is a popular thermal insulator.

A material such as glass or porcelain with negligible electrical or thermal conductivity