What term describes a material that allows for partial conductivity?

The term that describes a material allowing for partial conductivity is semiconductor. Semiconductors have properties that are intermediate between conductors and insulators, meaning they can conduct electricity under certain conditions, such as the presence of impurities (doping) or increased temperature. This partial conductivity is the essential characteristic that enables semiconductors to be widely used in electronic devices, such as transistors and diodes.

Conductors, like metals, have high conductivity and allow electricity to flow easily, while insulators do not conduct electricity well at all. Superconductors, on the other hand, can conduct electricity without resistance under specific conditions, which is different from the partial conductivity of semiconductors. Understanding the role of semiconductors is fundamental in fields like electronics and materials science, where controlling conductivity is crucial for designing various devices and technologies.