Ceramic capacitors are a type of passive electronic component that store energy in an electric field. They are widely used in various applications due to their compact size, reliability, and relatively low cost compared to other types of capacitors. The primary characteristic of ceramic capacitors is the dielectric material used in their construction, typically made from ceramic materials such as barium titanate or zirconia. This dielectric enables these components to have high capacitance values while occupying minimal space, making them suitable for use in a broad range of electronic devices and circuits.