Specific Gravity

Pronunciation: /spɪˈsɪfɪk ˈɡrævəti/

Definitions of specific gravity

noun a term used in physics and engineering to describe the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance

Example Sentences

A1 Specific gravity is a measurement used to compare the density of a substance to the density of water.

A2 Students in the chemistry lab were learning about specific gravity and how it can help determine the purity of a sample.

B1 The specific gravity of gold is much higher than that of most other metals, which is why it is often used in jewelry.

B2 Engineers use specific gravity calculations to design structures that can float on water without sinking.

C1 Analyzing the specific gravity of various liquids can provide valuable information about their composition and properties.

C2 Researchers conducted a study to determine the specific gravity of different types of soil in order to assess their suitability for construction projects.

Examples of specific gravity in a Sentence

formal The specific gravity of the liquid is a crucial factor in determining its density.

informal You can tell how heavy something is by looking at its specific gravity.

slang Specific gravity is like the weight scale for liquids.

figurative The specific gravity of the situation indicated how serious it was.

Grammatical Forms of specific gravity

• plural: specific gravities
• comparative: more specific gravity
• superlative: most specific gravity
• present tense: specific gravity
• future tense: will be specific gravity
• perfect tense: has been specific gravity
• continuous tense: is being specific gravity
• singular: specific gravity
• positive degree: specific gravity
• infinitive: to be specific gravity
• gerund: specific gravitying
• participle: specific gravityed

Origin and Evolution of specific gravity

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The term 'specific gravity' originated from the work of the ancient Greek mathematician and physicist Archimedes.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the context of Archimedes' principle of buoyancy, the term 'specific gravity' has evolved to represent the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance, typically water.