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adiabatic
[ ad-ee-uh-bat-ik, ey-dahy-uh- ]
adiabatic
/ ˌeɪ-; ˌædɪəˈbætɪk /
adjective
- (of a thermodynamic process) taking place without loss or gain of heat
noun
- a curve or surface on a graph representing the changes in two or more characteristics (such as pressure and volume) of a system undergoing an adiabatic process
adiabatic
/ ăd′ē-ə-băt′ĭk /
- Occurring without gain or loss of heat. When a gas is compressed under adiabatic conditions, its pressure increases and its temperature rises without the gain or loss of any heat. Conversely, when a gas expands under adiabatic conditions, its pressure and temperature both decrease without the gain or loss of heat. The adiabatic cooling of air as it rises in the atmosphere is the main cause of cloud formation.
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Other Words From
- adi·a·bati·cal·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins
Origin of adiabatic1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of adiabatic1
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Example Sentences
At the same time the utmost pains are taken to maintain the adiabatic condition of the metal walls.
Adiabatic, ad-i-a-bat′ik, adj. (physics) neither losing nor gaining heat: impassable to heat.
This is the ratio of the adiabatic elasticity of air to the isothermal elasticity.
The adiabatic lines, representing a fall of temperature of 1° Fahrenheit per 183 feet of ascent, serve for comparison.
The straight dotted lines show the adiabatic decrease of temperature for ascending dry air.
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