joule

¹

[ jool, joul ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the standard unit of work or energy in the International System of Units (SI), equal to the work done by a force of one newton when its point of application moves through a distance of one meter in the direction of the force: equivalent to 10 7 ergs and one watt-second. : J, j

Joule

²

[ jool, joul ]

noun

1. James Prescott, 1818–89, English physicist.

joule

¹

/ dʒuːl /

noun

1. the derived SI unit of work or energy; the work done when the point of application of a force of 1 newton is displaced through a distance of 1 metre in the direction of the force. 1 joule is equivalent to 1 watt-second, 10 ⁷ergs, 0.2390 calories, or 0.738 foot-pound J

Joule

²

/ dʒuːl /

noun

1. JouleJames Prescott18181889MEnglishSCIENCE: physicist James Prescott. 1818–89, English physicist, who evaluated the mechanical equivalent of heat and contributed to the study of heat and electricity

joule

¹

/ jo̅o̅l,joul /

1. The SI derived unit used to measure energy or work. One joule is equal to the energy used to accelerate a body with a mass of one kilogram using one newton of force over a distance of one meter. One joule is also equivalent to one watt-second.

Joule

²

1. British physicist who demonstrated that heat is a form of energy. His work established the law of conservation of energy, stating that energy is never destroyed but may be converted from one form into another. The joule unit of energy is named for him.

Word History and Origins

Origin of joule¹

First recorded in 1885–90; named after J. P. Joule

Word History and Origins

Origin of joule¹

C19: named after James Prescott Joule

Example Sentences

A kite thus constructed will, as is stated by Dr Joule of Manchester, 'stand in the air with almost absolute steadiness.

From Project Gutenberg

The experiments of Rumford, Davy, and Joule were instrumental in establishing the equivalence of mechanical energy and heat.

From Project Gutenberg

The experiment has been repeated in various forms, and the value now accepted for Joule's equivalent is 777.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus to Joule we owe the foundation of chemical dynamics and the basis of thermal chemistry.

From Project Gutenberg

The phenomena of "shooting stars" were explained by Mr. Joule in 1847 by the heat developed by bodies rushing into our atmosphere.

From Project Gutenberg