Part 298

In`su*lar"i*ty (?), n. [Cf. F. insularité.]

1. The state or quality of being an island or consisting of islands; insulation.

The insularity of Britain was first shown by Agricola, who sent his fleet round it.

Pinkerton.

2. Narrowness or illiberality of opinion; prejudice; exclusiveness; as, the insularity of the Chinese or of the aristocracy.

In"su*lar*ly (?), adv. In an insular manner.

In"su*la*ry (?), a. Insular. [Obs.] Howell.

In"su*late (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Insulated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Insulating (?).] [L. insulatus insulated, fr. insula island. See Isle, and cf. Isolate.]

1. To make an island of. [Obs.] Pennant.

2. To place in a detached situation, or in a state having no communication with surrounding objects; to isolate; to separate.

3. (Elec. & Thermotics) To prevent the transfer of electricity or heat to or from (bodies) by the interposition of nonconductors.

Insulating stool (Elec.), a stool with legs of glass or some other nonconductor of electricity, used for insulating a person or any object placed upon it.

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In"su*la`ted (n"s*l"td), p. a. 1. Standing by itself; not being contiguous to other bodies; separated; unconnected; isolated; as, an insulated house or column.

The special and insulated situation of the Jews.

De Quincey.

2. (Elect. & Thermotics) Separated from other bodies by means of nonconductors of heat or electricity.

3. (Astron.) Situated at so great a distance as to be beyond the effect of gravitation; -- said of stars supposed to be so far apart that the affect of their mutual attraction is insensible. C. A. Young.

Insulated wire, wire wound with silk, or covered with other nonconducting material, for electrical use.

In`su*la"tion (?), n. 1. The act of insulating, or the state of being insulated; detachment from other objects; isolation.

2. (Elec. & Thermotics) The act of separating a body from others by nonconductors, so as to prevent the transfer of electricity or of heat; also, the state of a body so separated.

In"su*la`tor (?), n. 1. One who, or that which, insulates.

2. (Elec. & Thermotics) The substance or body that insulates; a nonconductor.

In"su*lite (?), n. (Elec.) An insulating material, usually some variety of compressed cellulose, made of sawdust, paper pulp, cotton waste, etc.

In"su*lous (?), a. [L. insulosus, fr. insula island.] Abounding in islands. [R.]

In*sulse" (?), a. [L. insulsus; pref. in- not + salsus salted, fr. salire, salsum, to salt.] Insipid; dull; stupid. [Obs.] Milton.

In*sul"si*ty (?), n. [L. insulsitas.] Insipidity; stupidity; dullness. [Obs.]

The insulsity of mortal tongues.