thermodynamics
thermodynamics Lexical Profile
thermodynamics Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The branch of physics and physical science that deals with the relationships and conversions between heat, work, temperature, and other forms of energy.
"The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system always increases over time."
The thermal processes, energy exchanges, and physical phenomena operating within a specific chemical, mechanical, or biological system.
"Engineers carefully modeled the complex thermodynamics of the jet engine before building the prototype."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to the academic field of study, 'thermodynamics' is treated as a singular uncountable noun and takes a singular verb; when referring to the specific heat-transfer properties or processes within a particular system, it is often used with a plural verb.
• Rhymes for thermodynamics
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-19th century by physicist William Thomson (Lord Kelvin) from the Greek roots 'therme' (heat) and 'dynamis' (power or force), originally to describe the conversion of heat into mechanical work in steam engines.