Thermodynamics Terminology

noun the process of heating something up; the act of making something warm or hot

• The calefaction of the room was quickly adjusted by turning up the thermostat.
• I can feel the calefaction from the fireplace warming up the living room.
• Let's crank up the heat and get some serious calefaction going!
• The calefaction of their argument reached a boiling point as they exchanged heated words.

noun Frigid can also be used as a noun to refer to a very cold temperature.

adjective Frigid is an adjective that describes something extremely cold or lacking warmth.

• The frigid temperatures in the Arctic make it a challenging environment for wildlife.
• I can't believe how frigid it is outside, I need to bundle up!
• This frigid weather is giving me the chills.
• His frigid attitude towards the project made collaboration difficult.

noun a condition in which a substance is heated beyond its normal boiling point without vaporization

verb to heat a substance beyond its normal boiling point without vaporization

• The superheat process involves heating a substance above its boiling point.
• Make sure not to superheat the soup or it will burn.
• I accidentally superheated my coffee in the microwave.
• His anger seemed to superheat the room, making everyone uncomfortable.

noun a substance or organism that undergoes endothermic reactions

adjective describing a process or reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings

• The chemical reaction is classified as endothermic because it absorbs heat from the surroundings.
• This reaction is endothermic, which means it sucks up heat.
• Dude, this reaction is like a heat vampire, totally endothermic.
• Her personality can be described as endothermic, always needing external warmth and validation.

adjective relating to or denoting a process or condition in which heat does not enter or leave the system concerned

• The adiabatic process is a thermodynamic process in which no heat is exchanged with the surroundings.
• The adiabatic cooling system in our office helps keep the temperature comfortable.
• I heard that adiabatic thingamajig is supposed to make our energy usage more efficient.
• Her emotions seemed to undergo an adiabatic change, remaining constant despite the chaos around her.

noun a measurement of temperature starting from absolute zero, which is the theoretically lowest possible temperature

• The concept of absolute temperature is crucial in the field of thermodynamics.
• You need to understand absolute temperature if you want to ace the physics exam.
• Absolute temperature is like the boss level of temperature scales.
• In the world of emotions, his anger reached an absolute temperature.

noun a curve representing the changes in pressure and volume of a system undergoing adiabatic process

adjective relating to or denoting a process or condition in which heat does not enter or leave the system

• The adiabat process involves no heat exchange with the surroundings.
• I learned about adiabat in my thermodynamics class.
• Don't worry about the adiabat stuff, it's not that important for the test.
• The adiabat concept can be applied to real-life situations where heat transfer is minimal.

adjective Relating to a process that occurs without gain or loss of heat.

adverb In a manner that does not involve the transfer of heat or matter.

• The gas expands adiabatically in the insulated container.
• The heat is not exchanged as the gas expands in the container.
• The gas expands without any heat transfer in the container.
• The idea grew adiabatically in his mind, without any external influence.

noun a historical apparatus used to demonstrate the principles of steam power

• The aeolipile is a simple heat engine that uses steam to create rotational motion.
• Have you ever seen how an aeolipile works? It's pretty cool.
• Check out this funky little aeolipile thingamajig - it spins like magic!
• Her mind was like an aeolipile, constantly spinning with new ideas and thoughts.