The centimeter-gram-second electromagnetic unit of conductance; the absiemens is the conductance at which a potential of one abvolt forces a current of one abampere, equal to 10⁹ siemens.

The siemens is the conductance at which a potential of one volt forces a current of one ampere and named for Karl Wilhem Siemens.

Karl Wilhem Siemens (1823-1883) was a German electrical engineer and active in Great Britain as Sir Charles William Siemens. With his brother Ernst, he established many early electrical-engineering projects and manufacturing facilities.