joule

noun

ˈjül 

also nonstandard

ˈjau̇(-ə)l 

: a unit of work or energy equal to the work done by a force of one newton acting through a distance of one meter

Examples of joule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With a radiation exposure that delivers roughly 1,000 joules per square centimeter, superheated regions developed on the asteroid, producing pressures of over 100 gigapascals (roughly a million times the atmospheric pressure at sea level). —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 24 Sep. 2024

That means the power needed to move at a constant velocity would be 1.0 x 107 watts (1 watt = 1 joule per second). —Rhett Allain, WIRED, 26 July 2024

One British thermal unit is equivalent to 1,055 joules and will raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. —Matthew J. C. Clark, Harper's Magazine, 21 June 2024

These cells can store 2.5 x 109 joules per cubic meter. —Rhett Allain, WIRED, 4 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

James P. Joule

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

joule

noun

ˈjü(ə)l 

: a unit of work or energy equal to the work done by a force of one newton acting through a distance of one meter

Medical Definition

joule

noun

ˈjü(ə)l 

: a unit of work or energy equal to the work done by a force of one newton acting through a distance of one meter

Biographical Definition

Joule

biographical name

ˈjül 

James Prescott 1818–1889 English physicist