British thermal unit

American  

noun

Physics.

1. the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound (0.4 kilogram) of water 1°F. Btu, BTU, B.t.u., B.T.U., B.th.u.

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British thermal unit British  

noun

1. Abbrevs: btu.   BThU.  a unit of heat in the fps system equal to the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1°F. 1 British thermal unit is equivalent to 1055.06 joules or 251.997 calories

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British thermal unit Scientific  

/ brĭt′ĭsh /

1. A unit used mainly to measure heat but also applied to other forms of energy. One British thermal unit is equal to the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit, or 251.997 calories.

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British thermal unit Cultural  

1. A unit for measuring heat. One Btu raises the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit (see also Fahrenheit).

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Etymology

Origin of British thermal unit

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

They are about twice as expensive as in the Haynesville but yield about twice as much and are competitive with current natural gas prices near $3 per million British thermal units, executives say.

From The Wall Street Journal

In recent months, energy executives have said the basin needs to see natural-gas prices increase to about $5 per million British thermal units to encourage producers to venture into less productive, more expensive areas.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tokyo Gas wanted to substantially reduce its offer for Rockcliff after U.S. gas futures tumbled: since mid-December, they have fallen by 63% to $2.55 a million British thermal units on Wednesday.

From Reuters

Natural gas is sold in million British thermal units, or MMBtu.

From Los Angeles Times

This week, it forecast U.S. natural gas prices would drop to $4.00-$4.20 per million British thermal units in the second quarter through third quarter.

From Reuters