thermodynamics

noun

ther·​mo·​dy·​nam·​ics ˌthər-mō-dī-ˈna-miks How to pronounce thermodynamics (audio)
-də-
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: physics that deals with the mechanical action or relations of heat
2
: thermodynamic processes and phenomena
thermodynamicist noun

Examples of thermodynamics in a Sentence

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This relationship is explained by Isaac Newton in his third law of thermodynamics: for every action in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Frank Lavin, Forbes, 6 Feb. 2023 An earlier version of this technology had been introduced in 1922 by Swiss inventors, and Szilard found a way to improve on their design, drawing on his expertise in thermodynamics. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 Jan. 2023 Blobs of Excitement Around the time GANs were invented, Sohl-Dickstein was a postdoc at Stanford University working on generative models, with a side interest in nonequilibrium thermodynamics. Anil Ananthaswamy, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2023 In particular, many theorists have wondered how the great complexity of life can be reconciled with the laws of thermodynamics that suggest that all systems must inevitably decay to a state of greatest disorder. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2022 See all Example Sentences for thermodynamics 

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thermodynamics was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near thermodynamics

Cite this Entry

“Thermodynamics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermodynamics. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

thermodynamics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
ther·​mo·​dy·​nam·​ics -iks How to pronounce thermodynamics (audio)
1
: physics that deals with the mechanical action or relations of heat
2
: thermodynamic processes and phenomena

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