thermal energy

American  

[thur-muhl en-er-jee] / ˈθɜr məl ˈɛn ər dʒi /

noun

Physics.

1. the energy of a body or system that is directly related to its temperature.

   In a steam turbine, the thermal energy of the water vapor transforms into the mechanical power of the turbine.

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Etymology

Origin of thermal energy

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

thermal energy

Other beverage producers may also find it appealing to use thermal energy from solar, said Yangying Zhu, whose research includes sustainable energy at The University of California, Santa Barbara.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

That alignment reduces scattering of the heat carrying phonons, allowing thermal energy to move through the crystal much more efficiently.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026

This long established principle, known as reciprocity, has made it difficult for scientists to independently control how thermal energy enters and leaves a material.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 7, 2026

"This challenge was a wake-up call. Now we have woken up," he added, promising more solar and thermal energy projects.

From BBC ● Nov. 26, 2025

But Dad’s main interest was energy: thermal energy, nuclear energy, solar energy, electrical energy, and energy from the wind.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls