Pronunciation: /ˈɛntrəpi/

Definitions of entropy

noun a thermodynamic quantity representing the unavailability of a system's thermal energy for conversion into mechanical work, often interpreted as the degree of disorder or randomness in the system

Example Sentences

A1 Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system.

A2 In thermodynamics, entropy is often associated with the amount of energy that is unavailable to do work.

B1 The concept of entropy is used in information theory to measure the amount of uncertainty or surprise in a message.

B2 Entropy can also be used to describe the gradual decline into disorder or chaos in a closed system.

C1 Entropy plays a crucial role in the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time.

C2 The concept of entropy is a fundamental aspect of statistical mechanics and plays a key role in understanding the behavior of complex systems.

Examples of entropy in a Sentence

formal The concept of entropy is crucial in the field of thermodynamics.

informal Entropy is like chaos theory but for science.

slang Entropy is the sciencey way of saying things are all messed up.

figurative In a relationship, entropy can be compared to the gradual decay of communication and intimacy over time.

Grammatical Forms of entropy

plural

entropies

comparative

more entropic

superlative

most entropic

present tense

entropy

future tense

will entropy

perfect tense

has entropied

continuous tense

is entropying

singular

entropy

positive degree

entropic

infinitive

to entropy

gerund

entropying

participle

entropied

Origin and Evolution of entropy

First Known Use: 1868 year
Language of Origin: Greek
Story behind the word: The word 'entropy' originated from the Greek word 'entropia', meaning a turning towards, conversion, or transformation.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in the field of thermodynamics to describe the measure of disorder or randomness in a system, the concept of entropy has since been applied to various disciplines such as information theory, economics, and even psychology, evolving to represent a broader sense of degradation or chaos.