Parasitic element (electrical networks)
![Parasitic elements of a typical electronic component package.](/Images/godic/202502/01/Component_parasitic_elements.svg1040.png")
In electrical networks, a parasitic element is a circuit element (resistance, inductance or capacitance) that is possessed by an electrical component but which it is not desirable for it to have for its intended purpose. For instance, a resistor is designed to possess resistance, but will also possess unwanted parasitic capacitance.